Obituary of Margaret and David Retta

December 25, 2020

Margaret Longto Retta, "Peggy", 77, died on December 25, 2020 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx after a long illness.

David John Retta, 71, her husband of over 30 years, passed away nearly two weeks later on January 7, 2021 at NYU Medical Center from complications following surgery.

Peggy was a long time Social Worker in New York City, serving at both the New York Foundling Child Welfare Agency and at St. Vincent's Hospital. She was originally from Port Ewen, New York, near Kingston. She was a graduate of Mt. Saint Mary College in Newburgh and Fordham University.

David was the Human Resources Manager at Blumberg Excelsior Corporate Services for 21 years, where he was considered an expert in the field of human resources. His "unfailing loyalty and commitment" to those he served earned him great admiration and respect within the organization. David was born and raised in Greenwich Village and was a lifelong New York City resident. He was a graduate of Power Memorial Academy, Fordham University, and New York University. In addition to his work, David was a devoted husband, who took exceptional care of Peggy during the latter years of her life.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, Francis Longto, Sr. and Margaret Murray Longto and her brother, Francis Longto, Jr. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Margaret Phillips Longto. David was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Retta and Amelia Tosi Retta. He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Retta Vigdor, his brother-in-law,
Dr. Martin Vigdor, and his nephew, Neil Vigdor.