Rita L. Stathis of Southold died suddenly at home on Aug. 5, 2024. She was 37.
Born on Sept. 8, 1986, in Huntington, to Elizabeth A. and Christopher Stathis, she was one of two children. After graduating from Southold High School, she attended Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with honors. Stathis worked as a dedicated registered nurse at Stony Brook University Hospital. In addition to her nursing career, she took on the responsibility of running Wego Fishing Bait and Tackle in Southold, after the recent passing of her stepfather, Steven Sponza.
Stathis is survived by her parents, Christopher and Elizabeth Stathis; her sister and best friend, Margaret Stathis; many aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends and her beloved companion, Tino.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Saint Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery in Southold.
