FRANKLIN: Rita H. Stoughton

Rita H. (Petitto) Stoughton of Franklin, MA passed away peacefully at the Countryside Memory Care Unit in Milford on August 27, 2026. She was born in Roslindale, MA to the late Andrew and Antoinette Petitto and was the second of three daughters, the late Angela (Ann) Bowles and Josephine Potter of Chichester, NH.

Rita graduated from Roslindale High School in 1952 and immediately went to work for the First National Bank of Boston. She married the late Kenneth Stoughton in 1955. They lived for a few years in Roslindale before moving to Franklin in 1961 where they raised their four daughters.

When Rita’s youngest daughter entered school, she began working as a medical assistant/secretary for Drs. Arthur Stagg, Sr. and Jr. Rita also worked in the cashier’s office and patient account office at Milford Regional Medical Center for over 35 years.

Rita enjoyed bowling, bocce, and bridge. She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Rita was especially close to her late cousin Catherine Pasqualucci and her dear friends, Helen and Peter Laviolette.

Rita is survived by her four daughters: Karen McGrath (Matthew); Kathleen Melanson (Richard); Kelly Abbott (Charles); and Kristine Bartzokis (fiancé Darrell Charlesworth) 8 grandchildren: Kate Byrd, Erin Moran, Christopher Melanson, Emily Melanson, Bryan Abbott, Evan Abbott, Elizabeth Allers, and Stephen Bartzokis, and two great grandchildren Henry and Eloise Melanson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Rita was predeceased by her grandson Richard Melanson Jr. and son-in-law Nicholas Bartzokis.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours Thursday Sept. 3rd, in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 9-10:30AM.

Her funeral Mass will follow in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 11AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org

Rita’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Countryside Memory Care Unit in Milford, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Countryside Memory Care Unit, One Countryside Drive, Milford MA 01757.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com