Rita Kay (Riles) Meyer

Rita Kay Meyer, née Mary Rita Riles, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at age 81 years.

Rita grew up in Duquesne, PA, the eldest child of J. Joseph and Dorothy McElhinny Riles.  She had fond memories of sharing the family home, a side-by-side duplex, with her paternal grandparents George and Catherine Meyer Riles and of living next door to her aunts Florence and Roberta.  Memories of a treasured relationship with her Grandmother Catherine lasted a lifetime.

A lifelong learner, Rita Kay began her formal education at St. Joseph School and Holy Name School in Duquesne, then excelled at St. Paul’s Cathedral High School for Girls.

After being awarded a full scholarship to Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University), Rita Kay was accepted into the Mount Mercy College Accelerated Teacher Program.  Graduating in three years with a double major in English and Education, she taught at Forbes School in Pittsburgh and later at St. Peter High School in McKeesport.

After a few years of teaching, Rita Kay went to work for TWA at Kennedy Airport in New York.  During these years she developed a lasting affection for both New York City and for traveling.  Travel refreshed her. She had backpacked through Italy as a teenager with her friend Lila.  In midlife, she accepted a magazine assignment that took her to Russia. Africa, Italy and France were among her many destinations.

Deciding to return to her first calling as an educator, Rita Kay began graduate studies at Webster University in St. Louis, MO, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization as a Reading Specialist.

New York City then called her home to attend Pratt Institute, where she completed a second Master’s Degree in Library Science.  Her MLS degree gave her entrée into the world of banking and finance.  Rita Kay used her research and reference skills working for American Banker magazine before transitioning to Lehman Brothers as a Reference Librarian in Business Information.  She remained with Lehman Brothers for 15 years until her retirement.

Rita Kay was employed in Lehman’s Manhattan office at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attack, walking daily to her office at the World Trade Center from her apartment near Ground Zero.  Because she was scheduled to work an afternoon shift that day, Rita Kay remained safe in her apartment as the attack unfolded.

Life was different after 9/11.  Now retired, Rita Kay enjoyed swimming, reading, playing the piano and ballroom dancing.  She met Alan Edelson, a native New Yorker.  They loved dancing, being educators, New York City and each other.  Their relationship lasted 17 years until Alan’s passing in 2021.  It was then that Rita Kay decided to return to Pittsburgh, wanting to be “close to my family.”

Rita Kay was predeceased by her partner, Alan Edelson, her parents, her brother John Riles and brother-in-law James Bryant.  Those who mourn her passing include her siblings Carmella Riles Bryant, Theresa Riles Marcus (Philip), Loretta Riles, Marie Riles Seltzer (John) and sister-in-law Arlene Kahler Riles.

Rita cared deeply for her cousin Evelyn Hicks Bentley.  The lives of 14 nieces and nephews were enriched by Aunt Rita Kay’s love and attention as they matured.

Her family would like to express special thanks to James Hicks, a cousin and fellow New Yorker who assisted Rita Kay on and after 9/11.  We are indebted to you, James, for the assistance you gave to Rita Kay at the time of the attack and during the period of uncertainty that followed.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Laughlin Funeral Home, Mt. Lebanon, PA.  The family welcomes your memories of Rita Kay in the Tribute section.  Please see Laughlin’s website for photo remembrances of Rita Kay’s life.

Visitation is private.

Mass of Christian Burial:  St. Bernard Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 311 Washington Road, Pittsburgh PA, 15216 on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10am with Father Brian Welding as celebrant.

Internment is private.

Memorial donations may be made to:

St. Bernard Church “Angel Fund” which supports Catholic Education by providing tuition assistance to elementary and high school students at seven Catholic elementary and high schools in the area.  St Bernard Angel Fund c/o St. Bernard Church

311 Washington Road; Pittsburgh, PA 15216; 412-561-3300

Commonwealth Hospice whose caregivers provided Rita Kay

with excellent compassionate nursing care and support of Rita and her family; 4955 Steubenville Pike, Suite 125; Pittsburgh, PA 15205; 412-489-5893

Carlow University Cadet Accelerated Teacher Program

3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; www.Giving@Carlow.edu 412-578-6120

A charity of your choice.

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