Rita Zalasar passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Brighton Gardens of Edison. She was 88 years old.

Born in Newark, she has resided in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township for the past 52 years.

Mrs. Zalasar was employed for many years as an inspector with Banjamin Moore in Newark Mattel Toys, South Plainfield and Ronson Corporation in Edison; and was a communicant of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel.

She loved to cook and always had Family Christmas Eve parties at her home for over 60 years.

She was predeceased by her parents, Martha and Herbert Desch; son, Vincent Zalasar, Jr.; and siblings, Andrew Desch, Katherine Gresham, Gunny Desch, Rollin Desch, Thomas Desch and Armin Desch.

She is survived by her husband, Vincent Zalasar, Sr.; sons, Dorian Zalasar of Somerset and Brian Zalasar and his wife Sandi of Woodbridge; five grandchildren Brian Zalasar, Jr., Keith Zalasar, Tiffany Masters, Cody Zalasar, and Matthew Zalasar; and five great grandchildren Ava, Keith, Jr., James, Vincent, and Amelia.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 8:45 a.m. from Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Avenel. Interment will be in Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to American Lung Association National Direct Response Headquarters, 1200 Hosford Street, Suite 101, Hudson, WI 54016-9316.