Rita Mary (Francescucci) McCauley

Rita Mary Francescucci McCauley ended her journey of life peacefully on Saturday morning, November 2, 2019, with her family by her side. She was 94 years young. Rita was pre-deceased by her husband, Daniel Joseph Jr., and has now fulfilled her long time wish to go dance again with him. They shared their love affair of 42 years with five children. Rita had an infectious smile that was very warm. She was full of energy and adventure and enjoyed living every moment to the fullest. She would talk to everyone she met and especially loved to tell everyone about her five boys and her grand and great grandchildren. Formerly of Wynnewood, PA and Longport, NJ, Rita, resided in Cherry Valley, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Rita was born in Delaware County, PA to Melida (Saraceni) and Nicholas Francescucci. She had one sister, Mary and her husband William Gerland who predeceased her. Rita graduated Upper Darby High School and Linden Hall College, Lititz, PA. Rita and her husband Dan traveled the world together and spent many summers in London where their children attended high school. She enjoyed collecting antiques and art and would find little treasures on their journeys that they would bring home, creating an eclectic collection from all over the world. Rita was committed to community service and volunteerism. She was very active as a leader in the Philadelphia - Main Line community, advocating for the arts. Rita’s service included President of the Women’s Committee, Lankenau Hospital in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, President of the Philadelphia Opera Company Guild in the 1970’s, The Philadelphia Orchestra, President and Director of The Walnut Street Theatre in the early 1980’s. Rita also served on the initial Board of Directors for Neuman College, Aston, PA. In business, Rita became a Wendy’s Franchisee who grew her business to own and operate ten Wendy’s Old-Fashioned Hamburger Restaurants for over twenty years. She won many operational awards from the franchisor. Rita was instrumental in introducing Dave Thomas to the great work of The National Adoption Center, which eventually developed into the Dave Thomas Foundation. Dave Thomas recognized her with a special award for her service. Entertaining at her home in Wynnewood was one of Rita and Dan’s favorite endeavors, both hosting friends for their annual New Year’s celebration, Mardi Gras costume parties, and her holiday gatherings. We will always remember Rita as the life of the party! Rita’s most treasured memories were spent with her family. Simple dinners lasted hours talking. Holiday gatherings always centered at her table. She loved watching her family grow. Rita had five sons, who were her most treasured possessions in life: Daniel J. III and his spouse Kathryn of Scottsdale AZ, and their two children Daniel J. IV and Casey Kevin Vincent (who proceeded her in death) and his wife Clara (Imbesi) along with their three children Catherine and her husband, Thomas Cole and their son William; Nicole and her husband Steven Forzato; and Kevin Jr, and his wife Stephanie and their sons Kevin III and Bruce. Gregory and his wife Maureen (Boyle) and their four sons Gregory Jr and his wife Samantha and their daughter Remington Leigh; Michael, Liam and Aidan all of Chadds Ford, PA. Sean and his wife Colleen (Holt) of Wayne, PA and their two daughters Laura and Courtney. Brian and his wife Emily (Ahnert) and their three sons Brian Jr, Emmett and John Brody who reside in Stroudsburg, PA. Funeral services will be private. Rita will be interned beside her husband Daniel and son Kevin in Cavalry Cemetery, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania on Saturday. The family will welcome visitors to pay their respects at the home of Emily and Brian McCauley of Stroudsburg, PA on Friday, November 8 from 6 to 9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Rita to The Daniel and Rita McCauley Scholarship Fund, Saint Joseph’s University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131 – the Fund provides academic scholarships to SJU students.