Rita J. (Kilbride) Vescio-Hinde of Lewiston, NY, entered into heaven on Sunday June 10, 2012. As she wished, her final days of living were at home where she was tenderly cared for by her loving family. She was born on February 18, 1923 in Seville, MI and was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Murray) Kilbride. She was raised on the Murray family farmstead in the small town of Shepherd, Michigan.

Rita graduated from Saint Lawrence School of Nursing in Michigan where she met and married her first love, Anthony Francis Vescio, Sr. who attended The University of Michigan at the time. Rita and Anthony moved to Niagara Falls to raise their family and live out their lives together. Rita and Anthony founded, co-owned, and operated Parmed Pharmaceuticals , Inc. in Niagara Falls with their beloved sons Ralph J. Vescio, Vice President of Operations and Anthony F. Vescio Jr., Warehouse and Distribution Manager. During the years of operation under the Vescio family (October 1968- September1985), Parmed grew to the status of a Fortune 500 Business.

During her lifetime, Rita completed her Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from the University of Buffalo and followed her passion to care for others working as an RN at Mount Saint Mary's Hospital and Dupont Industries. She later became a certified nurse-teacher and worked at The Niagara Falls Board of Education, Maple Avenue School, Henry Kalfas Elementary School, and The Trott Vocational Center. Rita was actively involved with various community organizations. She was a member and share holder of the Niagara Falls Country Club, Mount Saint Mary's St. Francis Guild, The Niagara University Theatre Club, The Niagara Council of the Arts, and volunteer with Artpark for many years. She was a compassionate advocate for children living with a disability. She was past President of the Jayncee's Chapter of the Jaycee's Organization where she served as Chairperson on a committee for Children with disabilities. In 1958 Rita was amongst 10 other women who were awarded for their outstanding contributions in community life. Rita was awarded as "The Outstanding Jayncee of WNY" and received the Josephine Creyer Award representing women of distinction and contributions to the community as a Jayncee. She was an avid underwriter of the Family and Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara, Inc., and proudly joined her family in their annual "Buddy Walk of Buffalo-Niagara" on behalf of her loving grand-daughter and other children born with Down syndrome. She was also an Honorary member of The Rivershore Foundation, Inc. and generous supporter of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Inc. She and her late husband Anthony shared a strong faith in God and helping those less fortunate. They were philanthropic contributors to Mount Saint Mary's Hospital, The WNY Chapter of The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Missions in Niagara Falls, St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Lewiston, Fatima Shrine where the Bell Tower was built in the Vescio family name, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and Niagara University Our Lady of Angels Association.

Rita's primary purpose and pleasure in life was spending time with her family. She and Anthony enjoyed traveling around the world especially to Ireland and Italy to visit with their ancestors and reminisce their ancestral grounds. Rita also loved to dine, dance and socialize with her friends, many whom her children would call Aunt and Uncle. Her favorite activities were cooking for her family holiday traditions, golfing and playing Bridge.

Rita was predeceased by her first husband Anthony F. Vescio on April 15, 1995. She was remarried in 2003 to her now surviving husband, John M. Hinde. She will be eternally remembered in love by her family of five children Mary Susan (John) Holinka of Lewiston, NY; Ralph (Mary) Vescio of Grand Island, NY; Christine (Dr. Samuel) Sirianni, Anthony (Judi) Vescio, Jr. both of Lewiston, NY and Jean (John) Aversa of Youngstown, NY; seventeen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters and is survived by one brother in law, Dr. Ralph S. Vescio of Phoenix, Arizona.

Visitation will be on Tuesday June 19th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on June 20th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers friends may make a contribution to their choice of community service organization listed above that Rita and Anthony held dear to their hearts.
Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.