Alta Rita Aceto

Alta Rita Minervino Aceto passed away on Nov. 8, 2024 in Tequesta, FL after a brief illness. She was born on August 16, 1938 in Portland, Maine, the youngest child of the late Lena Orlando Minervino, of Lettomanoppello, Italy and the late Samuel Thomas Minervino, of Viesta Foggia, Italy. Alta spent her childhood in Portland, where she attended North Elementary School, Jack Junior High and Portland High School. She made lasting and cherished memories with her siblings and friends in what was affectionally referred to as the ‘Little Italy’ section of Portland, around Munjoy Hill. On October 15, 1977, Alta married Albert ‘Sonny’ Aceto and the two spent many wonderful years together. She worked as an Office Manager at Brookshire Life, an Administrative Assistant at American Bank and was the Owner/Operator of Altana’s Wedding Shop on Hampshire and, later, India Street in Portland. Alta retired to take care of her parents but reentered the workforce as a Secretary for Raia Plumbing. Following her secretarial position, she became an Executive Assistant at Bank of America. Alta was active at Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church, where she sang in the choir. She also loved to perform in plays, alongside Sonny; She will always be remembered for her on-stage portrayal of Dolly Parton! In 2005, Alta and Sonny moved to Tequesta, Florida. Here, they spent many happy years in the company of her family who had relocated to the area, along with her many new friends she met as she became active in her new community. Alta was a wonderful cook and baker and loved cooking for others- especially Italian cookies! She loved family and was known for her big parties on Christmas Eve, hosting with all the traditional Italian food offerings. Alta was the keeper of the family history, both with photos and her remarkable memory of events. She never forgot a birthday or an anniversary and she always volunteered to help in any way she could. Never having had children of her own, Alta treated all of her nieces and nephews with love and care; They all felt like she was a second mother to them. Alta was kind and loving but she was also tough and straight-forward- always ready to share the truth even if it was hard to hear. Sonny, jokingly, says being married to Alta were the best years of his life, even if she didn’t share that opinion. Those who knew them would be quick to differ. Sonny was the love of her life and their marriage was filled with joy and affection, from beginning to end. Alta was predeceased by her parents; her brother-in-law, Charles "Chuck" Bonetti; and, her sister-in-law, Patricia "Pat" Minervino. She is survived by her husband Sonny; her sister, Maryanne Bonetti; her brothers, Henry Minervino and Thomas Minervino and his wife Dolores (Dodi) Minervino; and, a slew of nieces and nephews and their spouses and children as well as her many friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, in Tequesta, FL on Tuesday January 14th, at 11:00am.

Alta Rita Aceto

August 16, 1938 - November 8, 2024