John Costa Rita Jr.

John Costa Rita, Jr., 83, of Saluda, lovingly known as “Pineapple” or “Mr. Pineapple,” passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Born in Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, he was the son of the late John Costa Rita, Sr. and Otilla Figueroa Rita.

After the unexpected passing of his father when John was only four, he and his sisters were raised by their uncle and aunt, Frank and Miriam Rita, along with their grandmother and family matriarch, Minnie Rita. As a child, John served as an altar boy at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kalaheo, where his family worshipped. During his teenage years, he worked in the pineapple fields of Hawaii — an experience he never forgot, often saying, “You haven’t worked unless you picked those sticky pineapples.”

At 18, John joined the Hawaii Army National Guard and later trained at Fort Gordon, Georgia. While on R&R during training, he attended a weekend dance at Buck’s Place in Saluda, South Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Lula “Lou” Mae Chaney. Three months later, they were married — and the rest, as they say, is history.

John worked in management in the textile industry, retiring from Milliken & Co. in 1996 after 24 years of service. He lived life to the fullest, finding joy in the simple things: hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and camping with friends. He was a proud charter member of the Big Red Hunting Club in Saluda.

More than anything, John loved his Christian faith and his family. He was deeply proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing made him happier than being their “PaPa.” When asked by his granddaughters how he wanted to be remembered, he simply said, “For being a good person.”

John is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lou Rita; his children, John Ransom “Randy” Rita (Angie) of Saluda and Cynthia “Cyndi” Ann Rita of Saluda; grandchildren, Jonathan Colbey Rita of Saluda, Zachary Rita (Cary) of Anderson, LaLoni Ashley Rita Cothran (Christian) of Greenwood, and Lakin Virginia Rita of Saluda; and great-grandchildren, Alani Skyla Mae Boyce and Caroline Rita. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Rita Vance of Beaufort and Mary Jane Schmidt of Saluda. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved son, Antone "Tony" Costa Rita.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 11 o'clock on Monday, June 16th at Hickory Grove Advent Church, with visitation beginning one hour prior at 10 o'clock. Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery. The family requests that guests dress casually in Hawaiian shirts or colorful attire in honor of John’s vibrant spirit and Hawaiian heritage.

The family extends special thanks to the Saluda Dialysis Center (DCI) for their compassionate care over the past nine years. Though John was only on hospice for a short time, their deepest gratitude goes to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont, especially his nurse, Julia E., who spent her day with the family as John peacefully transitioned to his eternal home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Cemetery, PO Box 1182, Saluda, SC 29138.