Trailblazing Atlantic City Businesswoman Rita Mack Passes
From left, Dan Nugent, Stockton Foundation executive director; Terricita Sass, executive vice president and chief of staff; Anthony and Rita Mack; and Stockton President Joe Bertolino. The Macks donated $150,000 to create a new endowed scholarship. Photo by Lizzie Nealis/Stockton University.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY – Rita Mack, who along with her husband Anthony, funneled millions back into the Atlantic City’s community through their McDonald’s franchises and philanthropy, died on Wednesday.
Mack was last seen with her husband at the Atlantic City NAACP Freedom Fund Gala on Saturday, April 25, and her passing caught many by surprise. The Macks were one of the sponsors of the gala.
“Ms. Mack was a regular attendee at general membership meetings, where her quiet dignity and focus added to our meetings,” said Atlantic City NAACP President Kaleem Shabazz in a statement on Wednesday.
“As a strong, consistent and generous NAACP and community benefactor, we have always saluted Rita Mack. Ms. Mack has made a lasting impact on Atlantic City. Her business, civic, community and religious contributions will long be remembered.”
Last October, the City of Atlantic city Rita and Anthony Mack with the dedication of Arctic Avenue between Michigan and Arkansas Avenues as Rita and Anthony Mack Avenue.
The Macks had owned and operated multiple McDonald’s franchises in Atlantic City for nearly four decades, bought their first restaurant in June 1986 and continued serving the Atlantic City community until May 2024, when they sold their final location upon retiring.
“Throughout that time, they were far more than business owners — they were pillars of the community — providing jobs, mentorship, and countless opportunities for Atlantic City’s youth,” city officials said at the time of the street dedication.
“As part of the ceremony, in addition to Rita and Anthony Mack Avenue signs being placed on both Michigan and Arkansas Avenues at Arctic, the Macks were presented with their own personalized street sign to take home, symbolizing their lasting impact and legacy in the city they’ve long supported.”
Known for her steady leadership and deep commitment to public service, Mack has spent decades working to uplift residents through education, civic engagement, and grassroots organizing.
A former Atlantic City Board of Education member and past president of the Atlantic City NAACP, Mack has been a consistent voice for fairness, accountability, and community empowerment.
Her work has centered on expanding opportunities for young people, strengthening voter participation, and ensuring that underserved neighborhoods have a seat at the table in local decision?making.
Mack is widely admired for her integrity, her collaborative spirit, and her unwavering dedication to the people of Atlantic City. Her influence continues to shape civic life in the city, where she remains an active mentor, organizer, and advocate for positive change.
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