Obituary of Antonietta Rita Lykes

Antonietta “Rita” Carotenuto Lykes, 67, of Freehold died peacefully at home on Friday, August 15, 2008. A longtime Freehold resident, Rita would always recount with great fondness the time she had growing up with her parents and siblings on Lafayette Street where her father, Michael Carotenuto had his tailor shop. On more than one occasion she would impart sage advice disguised as Italian Old Country wisdom. As an avid movie lover, Rita enjoyed all kinds of movies, but especially loved westerns and musicals. On any given day, if there was a good musical on, Rita could be heard singing along with it-right on key. She was employed by the Asbury Park Press as a proofreader for many years. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas W. Lykes; her parents, Anna and Michael Carotenuto and two sisters, Lucy Hulak of Freehold and Mary Smith, Toms River. Surviving are her children, Thomas and Mary Lykes, both of Freehold and Michael Lykes, East Brunswick; two brothers, Rev. Anthony Carotenuto, Pastor of St. Anthony’s Church in Red Bank, and Louis Carotenuto, both of Freehold; a sister, Carmela Dunn, Martinez, Georgia; as well as many friends, nieces, and nephews. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Catherine of Siena Church, PO Box 667, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 would be appreciated.