Millbrook – Rita A. Travia, of Millbrook, NY, wife of the former Speaker of the New York State Assembly and a retired United States District Court Judge, passed away on Tuesday at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Born to Francis Xavier Sorrentino and Emily D’Amore, Mrs. Travia earned an Associates Degree from the Madison Academy of Economics in Brooklyn. She aspired to become an attorney herself when she met a young lawyer named Anthony who delivered court papers to her. At the age of 21, Rita Sorrentino married Anthony Travia. The couple was married for 58 years until Hon. Travia’s death in 1993. They had two sons, Anthony John Travia Jr and Robert Francis Travia, who both predeceased her. Although Mrs. Travia held many important political, benevolent, and community roles, it was her smile and grace that embodied her life and personified the joy she brought to so many others. For this, she will be best remembered.
Her survivors include both daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. With enduring love and thankfulness for all she gave to us, we will always carry her grace and presence in our hearts.
Services for Mrs. Travia will commence at 1130am at St. Mary’s Church in Poughkeepsie, NY on Saturday, November 28, 2015 with burial to follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
