Philomena Rose (Melillo) Rettig

Philomena Rose (Melillo) Rettig, of Kittanning, died on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Heritage Meadows Nursing Home.  She was born April 20, 1934 to Angelina and Angelo Melillo.  Mena graduated from Kittanning High School and was voted best dressed.  She then proudly graduated from Mercy School of Nursing and became head nurse at the old Kittanning Hospital.  She went on to become Plant Nurse at Eljer, retiring from there.  Philomena was a member of St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the Catholic Daughters of America.  Philomena loved to cook for her family, shopping and gardening.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Rettig; grandson, Dominic Rettig; brother-in-law, Lee Harnish; and brothers, Lou (Tannie) Melillo and Philip (Mary Margaret) Melillo.  Survivors include her sons, Ray (Becky) Rettig and Kelly (Lisa) Rettig; daughter, Kathy (Brad) Bowers; sister, Mary Ellen Harnish; grandchildren, Michael Rettig, Lucia Rettig, Nick (Brittany) Bowers, Ali Bowers, Dana (Chris) Stover and Eric (Jamie) Rettig; great-grandchildren, Simon, Ellis, Penelope, Emma, Nicholas and Violet; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Rivercliff Terrace, Heritage Meadows, Heritage Hospice, and Dr. Gelacek and staff for their wonderful care.

Per Philomena’s wishes, viewing will be privately held by her family.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe  Roman Catholic Church,  101 West High St., Kittanning, with The Very Reverend Eric J. Dinga, V.F. as celebrant.  Interment is private.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning.  

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