Carmela Florio's Obituary
Carmela Florio, died at age 79, on August 20th, 2013. She was born in Corona, Queens, NY, and moved to Pinellas County, FL in 1991. She was the youngest of nine children and the last survivor of the Picarelli siblings. She was very proud of the reputation of their family bakery during the depression, where the generosity of her parents, saw a lot of families through difficult times. Regretting her lack of a formal education, Carmela was well-read and informed about a variety of topics. She stressed education and produced three children who are all professionals. She was always a strong advocate for her husband and children, and came to the aid of many people in need. She hated acts of discrimination and unfairness, and she told it like it was, often being ahead of her time. She taught her children that one expression of love, was more powerful than a thousand expressions of prayer. Carmela was known for her cooking and entertaining, her love of cards, her love of music and singing, her artistic creativity, her laughter, as well as her bigger than life personality, described by a friend as a powerhouse of a woman. She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Dominick J. Florio, son Dominic (Domie) Florio, daughter Leonora Florio-Fintz, daughter Michelle Florio, son-in-law Mark Fintz, granddaughter Stephanie Fintz, and her treasured little dog Maggie. She also leaves her beloved nieces Marguerite and Mary Anne, their families, as well as other nieces, nephews, and cousins around the country. Just as important, are the many friends who were welcomed and treated like family, because Carmela wouldn't have it any other way. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, August 25th, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5750 49th St N, St. Petersburg, Florida 33709. Friends and family will gather beginning at 1:00 pm, with a memorial service immediately following at 2:00 pm. Honoring Carmela's tradition of seeing that her family and friends were always well fed, a catered gathering will be held after the service, details to be given at that time.
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