Rita Kathleen Iadarola

Rita Kathleen Iadarola, 102, of Napa, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 16, 2025.

Born on January 30th, 1923, in Warren, Ohio, Rita grew up during the Great Depression, an era that shaped her resilience, her profound gratitude, and the compassion she carried throughout her life.

A proud veteran, Rita served as a Navy nurse during both World War II and the Korean War. In Word War II, Rita was stationed at the Long Beach Naval Hospital, California-where she met the love of her life, Joe Iadarola. During the Korean War she achieved the rank of lieutenant, a testament to her skill, leadership, and unwavering dedication to caring for others.

Following her military service, Rita followed her calling into public health. After moving to Napa in 1964, she became a school nurse for the Napa Valley School District, where she dedicated many years to the well-being of local children and families. Her career reflected the same qualities she lived by every day: compassion, steadiness, and an unshakable belief in choosing kindness.

Rita will be remembered as someone who always found the good in every situation. She refused to let negativity take root around her and showed everyone she met how to lead with warmth, perspective, and grace. This spirit-her greatest legacy-lives on in all who knew her.

After retirement, Rita continued to live a life of service and creativity. She was a long time volunteer at Queen of the Valley Hospital and found joy in playing the piano, filling her home with music and peace.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe. She is survived by her 3 children, Matthew Iadarola and his children, Alex and Frances; Ami Iadarola and her son, Mitchell Caldwell; and Greg Iadarola, her youngest son and devoted caregiver, and his daughter, Nickole Kinlin. Her family was her pride and the heart of her world.

A celebration of Rita's life will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 p.m. at La Siesta Village. All who knew and loved Rita are welcome to attend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Kathleen Iadarola, please visit our floral store.