Robert M. Derita

Robert M. DeRita, 84, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at home. He was the husband of Caroline (Schmidt) DeRita for 64 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Vincent and Rita (King) DeRita. Mr. DeRita served in the Rhode Island National Guard for several years. He spent his life working in the auto industry and became the owner of Roberts Jeep in Chepachet before retiring. In 1989 he was a proud recipient of the Chrysler Outstanding Dealer Award and was featured in Peoples Magazine. He was a Boy Scout Troop Leader and was an advocate for the disabled, serving on several boards of the LaPlante Center, ARC, and Special Olympics. Besides his wife he is survived by his children, Robert M. DeRita, Jr. and his wife Joyce, Carol DeRita-Moniz and her husband Richard, Paul DeRita and his wife LeeAnn, Steven DeRita and his wife Karen, Lori DeRita, and David DeRita; his sisters, Brenda Beattie and Virginia White; grandchildren Ryan Hathaway, Christopher DeRita, Kevin DeRita, Benjamin DeRita, the late Bianca Hathaway; and four great-grand daughters. Funeral service and burial will be private.