WORCESTER – Rhoda (Barsky) Bantin, 94, of Worcester, died peacefully Thursday, December 12, 2024 in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Rhoda was born in the Bronx, New York, daughter of Charles and Lillian (Dranoff) Barsky. Rhoda moved to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn as a young bride, and then relocated to Long Island, New York several years later where she raised her family.  Rhoda remained on Long Island until 1990, and thereafter she and Austin retired to Jacksonville, Florida.  Rhoda enjoyed her time in Florida thoroughly, however in 2013 she moved to Worcester, Massachusetts to be closer to her daughter, Cindy. 

Rhoda enjoyed playing mahjong and bingo, summering in the Catskills, weekend trips to the casinos, dining with family and friends, and spending time with her great grandchildren. Rhoda will be fondly remembered as the “Rooks that never cooks” but was always up to take you out for a great meal where they were never in a rush to leave.

Rhoda is preceded in death by her husband Austin W. Bantin (2009), with whom she shared 57 years of marriage.  She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Gregg) Moffitt of Worcester, a son, Bruce S. Bantin and his partner Dolly Ciapetta of Ronkonkoma; seven grandchildren, Austin (Jennifer) Kline of Worcester, Larissa Kline and her husband Robert Rios of Holden, Jason (Cathleen) Ciapetta of Holtsville, Amy Ciapetta of Ronkonkoma, Kimberly (Patrick) Seidensticker of Sarasota, and Robin (Ernest) Floyd  of Tampa, and ten  great-grandchildren, A.J., Stephan, Eve, Eliza, Esme, Colton, Cora, Sadie, Libby, and Sophia.  Rhoda was preceded in death by her son-in-law, James Harder, two brothers, Charles and Edward Barsky, two sisters, Selma Barsky and Florence Gamberdella, and grandson Brian Ciapetta.  

Rhoda never missed an opportunity to be with her family. Her family will forever cherish “health, wealth, and happiness” in her honor.  

Funeral services will be private and in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.