Rita Berninger

Rita Berninger was born on March 27, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, to Frank and Anna (Fiore) Borghese, both of whom emigrated from Giulianova, Italy. The youngest of four children, she was preceded in death by her siblings Arnold, Mary Lou, and Andrew.

Rita lost her mother suddenly at the age of four and spent her early childhood living with relatives while her father worked nights on the railroad. She began school at five and later graduated from Grandview Heights High School in 1957, where she was active in numerous clubs, activities, and performing arts. She attended The Ohio State University and later worked in several fields, including teaching and Yellow Pages advertising, where she became one of the top producers in the nation.

On November 27, 1964, fate brought Rita and her future husband, George Berninger, together in New York City. They married less than a year later, on October 2, 1965, in Columbus, and began their life together in Washington, D.C. They soon moved to San Diego, where they welcomed their children—George Jr., Melissa, and Scott—before settling in Camarillo, California, in 1972.

While raising her family, Rita was deeply involved in PTA, youth sports, and parish life at Mary Magdalene and Padre Serra Catholic Churches. She was active in the Camarillo Newcomers Club, Camarillo Hospital Auxiliary, Junior Women, and the Meadowlark Service League. Professionally, she worked at the Naval Air Station Point Mugu, the Construction Battalion Center, and the Navy Energy and Environmental Office, retiring in 2005. She and George later purchased a home in the Palm Springs area and moved there full-time in 2015.In retirement, Rita and George found joy in the Palm Springs area, where they moved full-time in 2015. She cherished the sunshine, the friendships she made, and the life she and George built together.

Rita is survived by her husband of over 60 years, George; her children, George Jr. of Tokyo, Melissa of Palm Springs, and Scott of Barnwell, South Carolina; and her five beloved grandchildren—Annette, Austin, Erik, Bryan, and Brendan—who brought her endless pride and joy.

Rita will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, devotion to family, and the warmth she brought to every room. Her love remains with all who knew her.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, CA.