[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E53]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF RITA LENTZ OF BRISTOL BOROUGH, PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2024

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of an 
extraordinary constituent from my district, Rita Lentz (nee Porfirio) 
of Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, who passed away at the age of 86 on 
January 12, 2024. Rita was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 
October 17, 1937 but grew up and was a lifelong resident in Bristol 
Borough, Pennsylvania where she would spend the next 80 plus years 
growing up and raising her family becoming a beacon of joy in our 
community.
  Rita graduated from Bristol High School in 1955 and went on to marry 
the love of her life, United States Navy World War II Veteran Philip 
Lentz on October 3, 1970. A proud Italian American, Rita was bilingual 
and became a dual citizen of Italy in November of 2010. This was a 
culmination of frequent trips she and Philip made to Italy to enjoy her 
culture and an excellent glass of vino in the village of Roccacvivara.
  Rita was a dedicated member of St. Ann Church and her faith inspired 
a life of service to our community. In addition to volunteering at 
church events, she and her husband were active members of the local 
Moose Lodge and VFW. She worked tirelessly throughout her beloved 
borough assisting countless people with care and transportation.
  Rita also gave her time to serve as the judge of elections in the 
East Ward of Bristol Borough for many years. Some of Rita's most 
meaningful interactions were as a secretary at Warren Snyder School. 
She was fondly referred to as ``Miss Rita'' and worked to instill the 
same love and respect in the students that she gave to everyone around 
her.
  Our community mourns Rita's passing but celebrates the legacy of her 
life. She will be missed by us all, especially her son Joseph, 
daughters Maria and Darlene, her sons-in-law Philip and Carl, and her 
grandchildren Philip and Daniel.

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