A. Rita (Arcaro) Blades 88

A. Rita (Arcaro) Blades 88, of Franklin, passed away peacefully, Saturday December 4, 2021 at the Ellis Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, in Norwood. She was the beloved wife of the late James P. Blades, Sr., with whom she shared 65 years of marriage before his passing in April of 2020.

Born July 26, 1933, in Boston, a daughter of the late Anthony F. and Victoria (Orlandi) Arcaro. She was a resident of Franklin, since 1957.

She was raised and educated in Boston. She graduated from Roslindale High and Wilfred Academy and until her marriage, July 4, 1954, worked as a hairdresser at Rose Beauty in Roslindale Square. She later returned to work at Whiting and Davis in Franklin and Plainville for over 20 years.

'Grammy Rita' always enjoyed spending time with her family the most, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was an avid cook (Family dinner every Sunday) and loved baking, cake decorating and crocheting. She was a caring, giving soul who dedicated her entire life to being there for her family. She was a communicant of Saint Mary's Church in Franklin.

She is survived by her children, Karen A. Greenwood and her husband Chip of Amherst, NY., James P. Blades, Jr. and his Husband Skip Martin of Uxbridge, MA., Cheryl A. Santoro and her husband Michael of Franklin, MA., Mark R. Blades of Phoenix, AZ., her sisters, Patricia Johnson of Plainville MA., Marie Butler of East Bridgewater, MA. and Lorraine Ryan of Rockport ME. Her brothers Donald Arcaro of Dedham, MA. and John Arcaro of Deltona, FL. and her sister-in-law Beverly Nowicki of Webster, MA.

She was the sister of the late Anthony F. Arcaro, Jr. of Deltona, Fl.

Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, Michael Picard, David Picard (Keila), Melissa Hecht, Kristen Picard, Jenna Santoro, Michael Santoro, Andrew Santoro, Nicole Blades-Toth (Alyssa), Ashley Blades and 3 great grandchildren, Grace and Emily Hecht and Shaihaylee Luben.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass Wednesday Dec. 15th, in St. Mary’s Church, Franklin at 10AM.

Interment will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.

The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Blades Family.

Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com