Rita Dawson Conte

Rita Dawson Conte (nee Schillinger)

Rita Dawson died on April 25, 2026 at the age of 84. She was born on October 17, 1941, the third oldest of 8 children, and was the beloved wife of Ronald Conte of Akron, Ohio, dear mother of Robert, loving grandmother of Tyler and Logan. She leaves her loving and devoted step-daughter and friend, Luanne (Del) of Massillon, Ohio.

Rita was preceded in death by parents, Phillip and Helen, sisters, Karen, Rosemary, Michelle and brothers, Eric, Mark and Phillip, Jr. Rita also leaves sister Monica (Chet) of Stuart, FL. Rita was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. She attended Annunciation and St Matthew Elementary schools and was a graduate of St. Vincent High School, graduating in 1959. She attended St. John College of Cleveland where she obtained her teaching degree. Rita was a devout Catholic and was a member of St Matthew Parish for most of her life. She was a teacher for over 30 years and touched the lives of many young people.

Rita will be missed by her loving nieces, Autumn, Jeni and Tiffany and special great nieces and great nephews: Devin, Alexis, Jordon, Jade, Jaron, Janson, Jonathon, Jenna, Selene Dawn, Simmie, Seth and Pierce. They held a special place in Rita’s heart. She leaves many more nieces and nephews.

Rita leaves many friends, among them her “St. Martha” group whose friendship she cherished.

Family and friends may call on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 5pm until 7:30pm at Newcomer Funeral Home 131 N. Canton Rd. Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:30am at St. Matthew Catholic Church 2603 Benton St. Akron, Ohio. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Rita requests that if you come, that you refrain from wearing black... her request was colorful Easter colors.  

To share a memory of Rita or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook