Rita Frech

Rita Frech, age 73 of Wayne and formerly of Paterson, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Rita was born to Pietro and Mary Biceglia, the oldest of three children, and was raised in Paterson alongside her beloved siblings, Judy and Ron. From the beginning, family was the cornerstone of her life. She was very close to her parents and siblings, and that devotion to the people she loved only grew as her family grew.

It came as no surprise to those who knew her that Rita found her calling working with others. A natural caretaker with a warm and generous heart, she spent her career as a Paraprofessional in the Paterson School System, where she worked with children with disabilities. She loved her students and they all loved her back. Rita had a remarkable gift of being able to make friends with anyone she met, and her students and colleagues were no exception.

That same gift led her to the love of her life. One night out in Paterson, Rita met David Frech, a Paterson Police officer, and the two quickly fell in love. They married and built a life together, welcoming their two sons, David and Michael. In 1994, Rita’s husband David passed away unexpectedly, leaving her to raise their boys on her own. She never wavered and with quiet strength and dedication, she worked hard to give her sons every opportunity in life.

As David and Michael grew and started families of their own, Rita stepped into the role that brought her the greatest joy of all: Nana. She loved her grandchildren in a way that words couldn’t capture. They were a constant source of light in her life, and they will miss their Nana dearly.

Rita will be remembered for her humor, her kindness, and her uncanny ability to walk into a room and leave with new friends. She cared so deeply about everyone around her, and she will be missed by all lucky enough to know her.

Rita is survived by her siblings: Judy Van Hook and her husband Steve Van Hook, and Ron Biceglia and his partner Nancy Morris-Gorski; her children: David Frech and his wife Jenn Frech, and Michael Frech and his wife Mary Frech; her grandchildren: Gabriella, David, Emily, and Ella; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who were a huge part of her life.