Obituary of Herminia "Rita" Minardi

Herminia "Rita" Minardi (87) died peacefully at home on December 5, surrounded by her family. Rita lived her life with vitality and exuberance that filled the lives of everyone around her. She was a woman of grace and dignity who took pride in her striking style and fashionable appearance, the exterior expression of her remarkable character and inner elegance. Rita was born Herminia Mustafa on February 4, 1929, in Santiago, Dominican Republic, one of Maria Victoria Almanzla and Abdul–Mallia Mustafa's 17 children. In 1952, she moved to New York City to attend beauty school, working full time to support her career goal. In 1955, she graduated from the Hollywood Academy School of Beauty with a license in Cosmetology and began her career as a hairdresser at Louis Simone Salon in New York City. Her nickname "Rita" was created at the salon, where she quickly carved out a reputation as personal hairdresser (and confidante) to stars including the late Marilyn Moore, Connie Frances, and Tina Louise. In 1958, Rita she met the love of her life in Joseph Minardi, co-owner of Minardi Baking Company. The couple's 57-year love affair began with a fairytale wedding in 1959 at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Paterson, NJ. They never tired of one another's companionship and raised a beautiful family together. Rita was a devoted and loving mother who worked hard at the family bakery captivating customers with her beautiful smile and outgoing personality—as well as hand-made pizzas, St. Joseph's Bread and famed Italian egg biscuits. When they weren't working in the bakery, the Minardis filled their home with family and friends, cooking delicious dishes from her Dominican and Lebanese roots as well as Italian recipes she learned from her husband's side of the family. Rita's generosity extended beyond those she knew to many charities and organizations, including the needy of her native Dominican Republic. She was an active member of Our Lady of Pompeii Church, where she and Joe attended mass every Sunday. Rita was a fashionista throughout her life, known for her vivacious sense of style and her exuberant personality. The fashionable vibrant colors, hats, and accessories she wore spoke to her energy and passion for life. Rita is preceded by her late sons in law Jose Luis Ojeda and Walter Kleinow . She leaves behind her devoted husband Joseph Minardi, daughters Maria V. Pasterchick (Mark), Lisa Kleinow, Christina Minardi (Annette Cuellar), and son John Minardi (Jules Holdren), grandchildren Joseph and Matthew Ojeda, Andrew and Christianna Kleinow and Jordan Minardi. She also leaves behind her siblings Negroni Mustafa, Nadenie Mustafa, Fresea Atienza, Romona Mustafa, Agelma Mustafa and Altagraeria Mustafa. As well as many nieces and nephews especially Ramona Sawyer, Freddy and Rocelia Fernandez who cared for her with patience and love during her final months. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at Santangelo Funeral Home, 635 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ. A funeral Mass will be offered on Friday at 10am at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 70 Murray Ave., Paterson, NJ. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa. Rita was devoted to improving the lives of others in her native Dominican Republic. In lieu of flowers, please visit the Whole Planet Donation Facebook page and select fundraiser for Rita Minardi – Alleviate Poverty in the Dominican Republic: https://www.facebook.com/donate/10211296907400705/