Obituary of Rita Neugebauer

Neugebauer, Rita Ann (Guido), age 94, of Leonia, on Friday, January 26, 2024. She was born in Bronx, NY and was the beloved wife of (previously deceased) Bernard (Buddy) Neugebauer for 72 years. Devoted mother of Jeanne Churchill (Steve), Peter Neugebauer (Pat), Paul Neugebauer (Jackie), Joan Montgomery (Ian) and Phillip Neugebauer (Liz). Loving grandmother of Ryan (Allison), Elizabeth and Christopher Churchill, Katie, Michael (Marcia) and Stephen Neugebauer, Jillian, Zachary (Christen), Erik and Ellie Neugebauer, Sarah Montgomery, and Ben, Will and Allie Neugebauer. Great grandmother of Luke, Max and Everett Churchill and Josie and Elouise Neugebauer. It was this group – 30 strong – that meant the most to Rita and she would do anything for her family. 

She was born to Andrew and Angelina Guido and was the youngest of the four “Guido Girls” – Rose, Lucy, Viola, and Rita…and was an aunt to many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rita was so proud to start her career at American Brakeshoe, where she was hired as a secretary/stenographer on the spot right out of high school!  She had fond memories of her years at Brakeshoe, where she made many lifelong friends.  Once she left there, though, she embarked on her most favorite and rewarding career...being a mom. 

To say that Rita was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people you ever met would be an understatement.  She thought of others before herself always and could be counted on to deliver a warm smile to brighten up any day.  Witty with a great sense of humor…and humility…she was comfortable in any setting but was selfless and never sought attention…despite often deserving of it.

Rita was active across many groups and causes in her 68 years as a Leonia resident, from St. John’s Church and School, to Leonia Pool, to Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts, and others. 

She was a lover of Lavallette and the Jersey Shore and was an adopted resident for 50 years spending the summer at the top of Philadelphia Avenue with the ever-growing Neugebauer Circle.

Rita Neugebauer was class and kindness personified as a loving wife, a caring mother and a doting grandmother — she was a welcoming and loving role model for many, and she will be missed. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations in honor of Rita Neugebauer to St. John the Evangelist Church, 470 Broad Avenue, Leonia, NJ 07605.

The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, January 31 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street “opposite the Fort Lee Library”. The funeral will leave Thursday, February 1st at 10:30 AM for the celebration of her funeral mass in St. John’s R. C. Church at 11:00 AM. For condolences, directions, or information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com (https://www.frankpatti.com/)