The Sayville Alumni Association notes with sorrow the passing of Rita Louise (Paganini) Ciulla.

Rita was born November 10, 1947, in Brooklyn, the daughter of Dr. Albert and Myrtle Paganini. She married Marion Anthony Ciulla and made her home in Louisiana, where she worked as an analyst with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. She is survived by her daughter Annette. She passed away August 10, 2026, in Madisonville, Louisiana.

Rita was a shining light and vibrant soul, whose infectious smile and positive attitude left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. A skilled swimmer and meticulous note taker, she found joy in browsing local shops and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation with anyone she met.

To learn more, please read her full her obituary at Bagnell Funeral Home: https://www.bagnellfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rita-ciulla
Her Find a Grave memorial: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/321460841/rita-louise-ciulla

The Sayville Alumni Association extends its condolences to the Ciulla and Paganini families, as well as her classmates and friends. Rita will be remembered in our annual birthday remembrances.

We thank our historian Erick Baumeister for bringing Rita’s passing to our attention through his diligent research