Anita T DeSorbo

Dunellen – Anita T. DeSorbo, 90, died peacefully with her family in attendance on Wednesday; June 27, 2018.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Mrs. DeSorbo was born in Dunellen, New Jersey and went to St. John’s Catholic School and Dunellen High School. Later, she attended Westminster Choir College to further develop her career.

After high school, she worked in New York City at the Robotti School of Music. There she met her future husband, Roland, with whom she shared a common love of music. They were married for 57 years.

She was the co-owner, director and teacher of the Rifino & DeSorbo Music and Dance Studios with her husband Roland for 70 years. Mrs. DeSorbo was an accomplished pianist, organist, and accordionist. She shared her love of the arts by teaching piano to numerous students, which had a large impact on the community. Annually, the studio would have a recital where all of the students could showcase their talents. Many of her students would go on to become successful and professional musicians. Her dedication to music also extended to her contributions with the National Keyboard Arts Association.

She held the position of Music Director at St. Luke’s Church in North Plainfield for over 40 years. She was also the Liturgy Director and belonged to the National Pastoral Musicians. Previously she was an organist for St. John’s church in Dunellen for many years. Mrs. DeSorbo was also a lifelong member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

She was predeceased by her husband, Roland; her parents, Rose and Carl Rifino; brothers, Edward, Albert and William; and sister, Gina Ducloux.

She is survived by a son, William, a daughter-in-law Jeanne of Whitehouse Station, NJ and their children Nicole and Natalie, and a daughter, Carla, a son-in-law Mark of Allentown, PA and their son Marc Andrew.

She will be greatly missed by her sister-in-laws, Marion Gatti and Elizabeth Rifino.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, July 2 at 10:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke’s Church in North Plainfield. Internment will be at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield. Visitation will be from 4-8PM Sunday, July 1st at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Ave, Dunellen, NJ. There will be a service by the Court Regina Coeli at 7PM during the visitation.

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