HERKIMER- Mrs. Rita (Salvagni) Witkowski, 76 of Willis Ave, Herkimer was called home to the Lord unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, March 16, 2010, at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown with her loving family by her side. She was born in Herkimer on February 10, 1934, daughter of the late Roggero Salvagni and Angie (Lovecchio) Salvagni and graduated in 1951 from Herkimer High School. She was joined in Holy Matrimony with Stanley Witkowski at St Anthony and Joseph Church and they have been happily married for 23 years. Rita was formerly married to George (Jim) LeClair, who preceded her in death. Rita worked in QC for Mohawk Data Sciences for over 20 years and in her retirement enjoyed part-time work at the Dollar Tree in Utica. She was a life long member of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church in Herkimer. Rita is survived by a loving and devoted family including her husband, Stanley Witkowski of Herkimer; her mother Angie also of Herkimer; two daughters: Donna Smith and husband David of Charlotte, NC, and Patricia Schug and husband, Donald of Whitesboro; two step daughters: Joanne Dunn and husband Bill of Parker, CO and Teresa Schiavi and husband Mark of Herkimer; her grandchildren: Jaclyn, Jason and Joseph Smith, Donny, Daniel and Mary Kate Schug, Justin and Kaitlyn Dunn and Ryan Schiavi; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Rita joined her brother, Roger and infant brother Anthony who went earlier to the Lord. Rita lived a fulfilling and rewarding life and was true to her family and friends. She shared a wonderful gift of humor with all that she touched. She enjoyed reading, traveling and her favorite passion: bingo and the casino. Rita loved designing floral arrangements and decorating the tombstones of her late family members. The family will be present in the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St.,Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Friday, March 19, 2010 from 5-8 pm. Mrs. Witkowski’s funeral will commence at 9:15 am on Saturday, March 20th from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10:00 am from Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main Street, Herkimer where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Rev. Thomas Lawless, pastor. Kindly consider memorial offerings to a charity of your choice, a large selection of envelopes is available at the funeral home. The family is being cared for by director, Daniel J. Enea. The family would like to thank Dr. Moglia and his team, and also the nursing staff of the ICU at Basset Healthcare, Cooperstown for the love and care provided at this difficult time.