1935 – 2016

AUBURN — On Christmas day, Rita P. Gammon of Auburn passed away peacefully at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice with family members at her side. She had been a dialysis patient for more than eight years.

Rita was born on July 20, 1935, the only child of George and Alice (Pratte) Melloni. She was a longtime resident of Newbury Street, where she formed lifelong friendships. She was educated in Auburn schools, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1953. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Gammon.

Rita worked as a cashier at Food Town, she was employed by Dr. John Milazzo, and later worked in the City of Auburn — personnel department. She was a beloved member of St. Louis and Sacred Heart parishes where she served as a Eucharistic minister and taught religious education classes.

Rita and Dick greatly enjoyed raising their three children, hosting holiday parties for friends and families, golfing, going to social events at St. Louis Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Sons of Italy, attending their high school alumni luncheons, and spending time at their camp on Taylor Pond, and later at their timeshare at the Bethel Inn. An avid reader and knitter, Rita also enjoyed cooking and became well known for her Italian cookies and caramels.

Rita’s family would like give special thanks to the staff at the Fresenius Kidney Care Center in Auburn, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their dedicated and loving care.

She leaves two sons, Michael Gammon of Auburn, Rick Gammon and wife, Lynne, of Portland; a daughter, Elaine Gammon and husband, Joe Harrigan, of Auburn; three grandchildren, Erica Gammon of Lewiston, Andrea Gammon of Nijmegen, Netherlands, and Jocelyn Gammon of Brooklyn, N.Y.; one grandson, Maximus Asa Moss, deceased, and three great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Thea and Abby Langelier. She also leaves many close friends.

Rita was predeceased by her husband, Richard Gammon in March 2013.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Rita’s life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.