Rita Englebardt — a longtime local journalist, former manager of the iconic Remarkable Book Shop and valued employee at Max’s Art Supplies, and a Westport resident for nearly 70 years — died peacefully at home on Monday. She was 101.
Rita was one of the steady, unsung presences who helped define the character of mid‑century Westport. As a columnist for The Minuteman and The Westport News under the pen name Rita Ross, she wrote dozens of articles, including an award-winning series on historic Westport homes and their notable residents.
Rita Engelbardt
She continued working into her late 90’s, using trusted vintage typewriters.
Rita also spent decades working in several of the town’s most noted independent businesses. In addition to managing the Remarkable Book Shop and working at Max’s, she managed Fillow Flowers and Daybreak Nursery.
Rita was a familiar face, recalling “old Westport” and its creative spirit.
Rita Engelbardt (far right) at Max’s Art Supplies with (from left) manager Nina Royce, owner Shirley Mellor and Jay Cimbak.
The New York City native worked at the telephone company after high school, selling war bonds. She later moved into public relations, and was one of the first female managers in the male-dominated Madison Avenue advertising world.
She met Stanley Englebardt on a Florida beach in 1948. They married a year later and moved to Westport in 1957, and spent the next 7 decades building a life, family, and community.
Rita and Stan raised their children Leland and Lynn, along with many dogs and cats, in homes on Webb Road and Bayberry Lane. The latter home, which they designed and built in collaboration with their Westport friend and architect Larry Michaels, was featured in Westport Historical Society exhibit on local mid-century modern architecture.
Rita’s love for Westport was matched by a deep affinity for Paris, where she lived and traveled extensively throughout her life. Her family says, “She is remembered for her passion for all things French, her signature style, and the joie de vivre she brought to her prolific hosting and dinner parties, rallying fellow volunteers to count ballots all evening, and her support for local creators and artisans.
“She was especially dedicated to causes around animal welfare, upholding democratic principles, and preserving a warm, eccentric, community‑centered identity in Westport.
Rita Engelbardt and friend.
Rita Englebardt is survived by her children Leland (Jane) and Lynn Riegler (Dr. Nitai Riegler), and grandchildren Daniel, Alexander (Sarah Clark) and Adam Riegler (Mireille Owens).
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s name can be made to the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue. Friends are invited to celebrate a beautiful moment or toast with friends and family, as she would have loved.
I’m so sorry to learn of Rita’s passing. She was a very special person, indeed. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
She was such a character. I remember her period of having heavy eyebrows which she must have spent a lot of time “painting” on. She ate like a bird.
A charming woman and a Westport institution and heroine. Always extremely helpful and giving.
I was lucky enough to call Rita our neighbor. She was our welcome to Westport and quickly became family. We are so blessed to have known her and her family.
What a wonderful presence that made Westport special— I remember her kindly helping me with art supplies and should have guessed that she was also at Remarkable Bookstore. A life well lived!
Our condolences and what a productive life! Moving to Westport around 1957 was just about the time of that transition to a ‘ boomtown.’ The town had a huge transition! Obviously she was a very talented person.
R.I.P. beautiful Rita.
I have no artistic talent at all (and therefore never had any need for Rita’s assistance) and I don’t read many books (only Dan Woog’s and he self publishes mostly) but my many artistic and literate friends thought Rita was the greatest Westporter (since Jack Backiel left town) ever.
Rita was a marvelous influence in my life from age 12 to 18 yrs old. I will always cherish the memories I have of Rita and her family.
I had the privilege of knowing Rita at Max’s where she made me feel as though I had wandered into an artists studio in Manhattan or Paris. A truely fascinating lady !!!
Ed
I loved meeting Rita at Max’s on my frequent visits there, along of course with Shirley, Nina and Jay. She was the kindest woman, always offering encouraging words, occasional wisdom and definitely a smile. We missed them all once Max’s closed!