Rita V. Trainor

Rita Veronica Trainor (nee Rowe), age 102, passed peacefully at home in Saddle Brook, NJ on July 4, 2026. Rita was born in the Bronx, NY from her parents, John and Katherine Rowe.

Born and raised in Bronx, NY, Rita was a U.S. Army Veteran faithfully and honorably serving our country during World War II. Rita was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines and received numerous awards and commendations for her service including the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal.

After her military service, Rita was married to her beloved husband Edward and moved to Saddle Brook, NJ (then known as the Township of Saddle River) in 1951 to start and raise her family. Rita and Ed had 1 daughter Mary Rose, and 3 sons, Edward, Patrick and Kevin. Rita and her husband Ed owned and operated a neighborhood Bar for 33 years and Rita also worked as a Food Services Supervisor in a nursing home and later a Baker/Chef for Nabisco Cookie Plant in Fair Lawn, NJ.

Rita was a parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Saddle Brook, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3484 of Saddle Brook, and member of the former Saddle Brook Golden Age Club.

Rita is survived by her son Kevin Trainor (and his wife Sandy Trainor), her daughter-in-law Jacquelyn Trainor (wife of the late Edward Trainor), and grandchildren Megan Dray (husband Colin), Kevin Patrick Trainor (wife Caitlyn), Daniel Trainor, Kayla Trainor and Emily Rose Trainor.  Rita is also survived by five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Rita is predeceased by her daughter Mary Rose Trainor (Sept. 6, 1970), her husband Edward Trainor (Oct.17, 1991), and sons Patrick Trainor (May 28, 2007) and Edward Trainor (Sept. 20, 2025).

Rita was the kind of woman who made everyone feel welcome. Her door was always open to anyone in need, and her heart was even bigger. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and was never afraid to tell it like it was. Tough, strong, and resilient, she faced life's challenges with courage, yet her kindness and compassion never wavered.

She had a remarkable way with words, a sharp wit, and a sense of humor that could make anyone smile. A poet at heart, she found beauty in everyday life and had a gift for expressing it. She took pride in always looking her best and carried herself with grace and confidence. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures—a casual glass of wine, a game of cards, old-fashioned candies, and time spent surrounded by family and friends.

Above all, she will be remembered for her unconditional love, generous spirit, unwavering strength, and the warmth she shared so freely with everyone who walked through her door. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Funeral services from Kugler Funeral Home 311 Fifth Street Saddle Brook, NJ. Visiting hours on Thursday July 9, 2026 from 4 to 8 pm Funeral mass at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church 488 Saddle River Road Saddle Brook, NJ on Friday July 10, 2026 at 11 am. Burial to follow in George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ.