Obituary of Rita Senders (Silvestri)

Rita Lea Senders (Silvestri) 71, of DeLancey and New York City, passed away at her home following a courageous battle with lung cancer on Monday morning, May 17, 2021 with her loving husband and daughter by her side.

Born on October 2, 1949 in Milan, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Brenda Senders. The family moved to the United States when she was a young child.

Rita was an advertising and brand marketing specialist. She owned and operated Senders Brandworks Inc. in New York City.  Rita was quite accomplished in her field. Among her many successful ad campaigns for national brands was the world renowned “Having a Baby Changes Everything” campaign for Johnson and Johnson.

She was married to her husband, Philip Silvestri on January 11, 1987. Working together in the advertising industry, they developed a close friendship that became a devoted 34-year marriage.  

In her free time, Rita loved reading, particularly cookbooks. She was a talented cook and often used the fresh vegetables from her own garden to whip up wonderful meals for her family and friends.  While she loved her home in New York City, DeLancey provided a wonderful respite for her, surrounded by beauty, serenity, family and friends.  Rita also enjoyed the companionship of her pets, including her dogs, cats and horses.

Besides her parents, Rita was predeceased by her son: Nick Silvestri in 2004; and her father-in-law: Marco Silvestri.  

Rita is survived by her husband: Philip Silvestri of New York City and DeLancey; her daughter: Lucy Silvestri of DeLancey; sister: Cherri (Marc) Senders Jacoby of California; brother: Stanley (Susan Levin) Senders of Maryland; aunt: Sema Soffer of Washington, DC; mother-in-law: Erna Silvestri; brother-in-law: Mark (Kristin) Silvestri; sister-in-law: Donna (John) Moore; nieces and nephews: Rachelle, Laura, Justin, Sam, Zach, Justin, Travis, Steven, Kyle and Sarah; and several cousins and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 23, 2021 and from 12noon until 1PM on Monday, prior to a service and time of sharing at 1PM on Monday, May 24, at the family home at 2311 Terry Clove Road, DeLancey (town of Hamden).   Private burial will follow.

Contributions in memory of Rita can be made to one of the following charities. 

Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation, https://www.jewishpartisans.org/donate

Smile Train https://donate.smiletrain.org/givenow

Debbra https://www.debra.org/donate

Tuesday’s Children https://www.tuesdayschildren.org/

St Jude’s Children's Hospital https://www.stjude.org/

A recording of the service and time of sharing are available for viewing by clicking here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7_lEI4dKg27iasroZAekRQSSku-hfzZo

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Rita’s family.