Rita Fasano Obituary

Rita Marie Fasano (née Werb), 85, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. Born on August 17, 1939, in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, she lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, and her career.
Rita's early years were shaped by her strong Catholic upbringing. She attended Catholic school throughout her elementary and high school years and continued her Catholic education at Saint Joseph's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and distinguished herself as a leader and athlete. Rita served as Senior Class President and was actively involved in sports-playing basketball and field hockey, as well as coaching the latter. She often fondly recalled having her own room during her freshman and senior years of college, a cherished luxury after sharing bedrooms with family members during her youth. Her classmates held her in high regard for both her leadership and vibrant personality.
After college, Rita built a life rooted in love and partnership with her husband, Lawrence "Larry" Joseph Fasano. Together they founded F & G Builders, Inc., where Rita worked as a secretary. Their shared dedication to the business reflected their commitment to building not only homes but also a strong foundation for their family.
Rita's greatest joy came from raising her four daughters: Rita Marie Mygrant (Martin Mygrant), Gina L. Espejo (Francisco Espejo), Renee Smothers (Donald E. Smothers), and Annette Fasano (Nancy Squires). She took immense pride in watching them grow into accomplished women and considered motherhood her most meaningful achievement.
Her love extended deeply to the next generations. Rita was grandmother to Ashley Ernest (Cain Ernest), Carolyn Walski (Allen Walski), Donald L. Smothers (Dorita Smothers), Kyle Smothers, Erin Pafford (Brad Pafford), and Siara Espejo. Her heart was especially full when surrounded by her eight great-grandchildren, whose presence brought her boundless joy.
Rita's faith remained central throughout her life. A lifelong Catholic, she once said that when she died to "give my sins to the devil and my spirit to God," reflecting both her spiritual conviction and characteristic wit.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Larry; parents Fred and Theresa Werb; brother Don Werb and his wife Margi; and her beloved aunt, Marie Kolb.
Those who knew Rita will remember her as an outgoing woman who never met a stranger. Her warmth made it easy for others to connect with her, whether through shared laughter or heartfelt conversation.
A private funeral service will be held on May 31, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina.
May Rita's memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved her.