Carollo, RitaRita Arruda Carollo, 80, of Leesburg, Florida passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the North Campus Rehab Center. She fought and lost a long battle with cancer. Rita was born on March 10, 1936 in Worcester, MA. She had six siblings (Robert J, Patricia A, Ruth F, John C, James E, and Linda M) and served in the U.S. Air Force. A devoted wife and mother, she leaves behind her beloved husband of 59 years, Giovanni Carollo, and four children: Giovanni Jr. (Johnny) of Melbourne, FL and his wife Cheri, Joseph of South Glastonbury, CT, James of E. Granby, CT and his wife Patricia, and Frances Carollo Bizier of New Milford, CT and her husband Steve. Rita is also survived by six grandchildren: Stephanie, Jenny, Cassie, Kelly, Tommy, Marissa, and four step-grandchildren, Rebecca, Brandon, Jason, and Stephen. She is pre-deceased by two of her siblings: Robert Arruda and James Arruda as well as her parents, Mary Santos Arruda and A. Edward (Nebo) Arruda. In addition to her family she loved so much, she was an avid reader, bingo player, a past member to the Red Hatters Society and very loyal Boston Red Sox fan. In earlier years, her knitting and crocheting skills were unmatched. Rita was fun-loving and adored by all who knew her. A private military service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in the first week of the New Year. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Jude Hospital in honor of Rita.