Obituary of Rita A. Winiecki

Rita Winiecki, 91, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and service. 

Rita was born in White Plains, NY on August 31, 1934 to parents Joseph Perrotta and Anna (Russo) Perrotta. Rita was born a natural athlete, and as she grew, it became apparent that Rita’s passion for sports throughout her high school career at White Plains High School, would lead her to the decision to attend Brockport Teachers College, where she earned her degree in Physical Education. While attending college, she met the love of her life, Paul Winiecki. Upon graduation, Rita and Paul were married and began their first adventure together- teaching Physical Education in the Utica (NY) School District. As a couple, Rita and Paul made the decision to move to Orchard Park, NY, beginning their next big adventure- raising their family. Rita and Paul brought four children into the world within a four year period, and it was then that Rita (and Paul) decided to put her career on pause and be a full time at-home mom. With the energy and enthusiasm she possessed as an athlete, Rita embraced both her new marriage and new family of six with commitment and determination. 

After spending twelve years as a full time at-home mom, Rita shared her desire to re-enter the teaching profession with Paul, and they both agreed it was the right time. This adventure led to a wonderful teaching career that began at Holy Family School and then to Nativity School as a grade school teacher. While teaching full time, Rita began to pursue her Master’s Degrees in a variety of academic subjects, one of which included Special Education. It was her Master’s Degree in Special Education that led her to her many successful years spent in the Buffalo City School District. Beginning at West Hertel Middle School then to Bennet High School and then finally retiring from Cheektowaga High School. Throughout her years as a Special Educator, Rita devoted her life to making a lasting difference in the lives of countless students and families. She believed deeply in the potential of every child and approached her work with patience, creativity, and unwavering compassion. Her dedication to her students earned her the honor of being named Teacher of the Year — a recognition she accepted humbly, though those who knew her felt it was long overdue.

Beyond the classroom, she was a passionate athlete who embraced life with energy and determination. Whether competing, coaching, or cheering others on, she modeled perseverance and healthy living well into her later years. Her competitive spirit was matched only by her generous heart.

Rita and Paul’s next adventure began in the early 1990’s, when they decided to move to Florida. Forever an athlete, Rita began playing golf and quickly excelled, winning the Cypress Lakes Women’s Golf Tournament. After so many years raising her family and not participating in sports, her children liked to remind their father that Mom was a better golfer than he was! Rita was also a very talented artist, who created beautiful drawings and paintings that filled not only their home in Florida, but also the homes of her children.

Throughout Rita’s life, family was the center of her world. She loved creating a warm and inviting environment both inside and outside her home. She welcomed every holiday with decorations, creating a warm and welcoming environment both inside and out. Rita loved her gardens, and won the Garden of the Month numerous times in their community in Lakeland, Florida. She was the one who hosted the holidays, organized the gatherings, and made sure everyone had a place at the table. Her home was filled with laughter, delicious meals, lively conversations, and unconditional love. Those family get-togethers will remain some of the most cherished memories for all who were fortunate enough to attend. After her husband Paul passed away, Rita continued to live in their home in Lakeland Florida until September 2025, when she moved back to the Western New York area and into her own apartment at Elderwood in West Seneca. 

Rita was predeceased in death by her parents Joseph and Anna Perrotta, her husband Paul, brother Romolo (Julia), sister Theresa (Joe) Campo. She is survived by her children Tom (Nancy), Don (Yonnie), Kathy (Jim) Marshall and Joe (Kristen), granddaughter Danielle and granddaughter-in-law Michelle, granddaughter Emily and grandson-in-law Patrick, granddaughter Molly and grandson-in-law Chris, granddaughter  Allison, granddaughter Caroline and grandson-in-law Josh, grandson Tony and granddaughter-in-law Jackie and grandson Paul, great-grandchildren William, Eloise, Breyten, Colten and Traeh.

She will be remembered for her strength, warmth, humor, and deep devotion to both her family, her calling as an educator, and of course, as a natural born athlete. Her impact will live on not only in the family she nurtured, but in the many students whose lives she forever changed.

Her life was a lesson in compassion, resilience, and love.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Memorial services will take place in Lakeland, Florida in the summer of 2026, where Rita and Paul will have their eternal resting place in the Bushnell National Cemetery.

Words of sympathy may left on www.LaingFuneralHome.com