The Brooklyn Tech alumni community is deeply saddened by the passing of Rita Susan Clendenin-Bey, Class of 1974, on August 18, 2024 at age 67. Rita was a trailblazer as one of the first nine women to graduate from Brooklyn Tech, where she was known, among other talents, for her skill on the basketball and volleyball courts.

Due to declining health, Rita was unable this spring to attend the historic 50th Anniversary of her graduation along with her fellow pioneering alumnae of ’74, but was very much there in spirit.

After her time at Tech, Rita's life was full of passion and devotion, from her career with the MTA as a celebrated NYC bus driver (winner of many ‘Roadeo’ competitions), to her vibrant participation in LGBTQ+ communities, and her love for woodworking and sports.

She lived her later years in Pittsburgh, PA, where her resilience and spirit continued to shine through despite the challenges she faced.

Fiercely loyal, generous, and multi-faceted, Rita will live on in the memories of family, friends and former classmates. She is survived by a large and loving family that includes Technite big brother Johann (John) Clendenin ’67, younger brother Walter Clendenin-Bey ‘78, nephew William Curtis-Bey ‘96, niece Amanda Pelaez ’04, and cousin Ed Harper ‘75. The family gathered  on September 7, 2024 in New York City for a private celebration of her life.