Rita Ann Brannen, a Dutchess County resident since 1962, died at her home in the Town of Fishkill on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. She was 65.
Daughter of the late Jack and Babe Burke, she was born in the Bronx on May 21, 1950. In 1968, she graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie. Later, she enrolled in Marist College and in 1977 earned a bachelor’s degree in science & accounting.
Rita had a long and distinguished career as a civil servant for Dutchess County. In 1971, she began working for the Youth Bureau and later moved to the Finance Department. She served as the Deputy Commissioner of Finance from 1981 – 1998, and in 1998 she was appointed Commissioner of Finance. After 34 years of service, she retired from Dutchess County government in 2005.
Her role in local government led to her involvement with many professional organizations. She was a member of the NYS County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association, where she served as President from 2003 – 2004, and was recognized as Finance Officer of the Year in 2005. She was also an active member of the NYS Government Finance Officers Association and NYS Association of Counties. She served as C.F.O. for the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency and was Past President & Treasurer for the Arlington Rotary Club, who named her Rotarian of the Year in 2009. She was also member of the “Wednesday Club” a historic local women’s organization.
Rita enjoyed many hobbies such as skiing, but especially loved quilting. More than anything else, she cherished spending time in her yard and pool during summer months.
On June 5, 1971, she married Bruce G. Brannen at St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction. Bruce survives at home in Fishkill.
She is also survived by her two sons, Colin Brannen & his wife Jessica of Hyde Park and Kevin Brannen & his partner Allyson Komarek of East Fishkill; her siblings, John Burke & his wife Mary of Fishkill, Mary Pivonka & her husband Jiri of Highland Mills, Eileen Miccio & her husband Jim of Fishkill, and Edmund Burke & his wife Michele of West Newbury, MA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives & friends.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 26th at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27th at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sparrow’s Nest, 942 Route 376, Suite 215-216, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, www.sparrowsnestcharity.org or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
For driving directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit Rita’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.