Rita H. McCleery Thomas (nee Pannella) died on January 4, 2026, age 91 of Blue Bell, formerly Philadelphia. Wife of James. Mother of James McCleery, Michael McCleery, Kathleen McCleery Wagner (Curtis), and her step-son , James W. Thomas. Survived by seven granddaughters, Kelly, Alexandria, Colleen, Melissa, Amanda, Erin, and Caroline, ten great-grandchildren, and her brother, Joseph Pannella.

Services and Interment are Private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Rita's name or to the National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park, 97 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, Pa, 17325 for the preservation of the battlefield monuments.