Antonina P. Leto's Obituary
Leto, Antonina (Nina) Piazza, 91 of Tampa, passed away after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family on February 10th, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Sam D. “Redeye” Leto. She is survived by her daughter & son -in- law Mary Frances & Jamie Granell; beloved grandchildren, Jamie Granell, Jr. (Allison), Sam-Anthony Granell (Kimberly) & Francesca Granell; cherished great granddaughters Daniella & Bella Granell; her dearest sister Stella Calderoni and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a large circle of friends.
Nina was born on April 19th, 1929 to her Sicilian immigrant parents, Joe & Sara Piazza in the “Robert City” community of West Tampa. She was a 1947 graduate of Jefferson High School and a graduate of Tampa Business College. She enjoyed a 40 year-long secretarial career with the Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services, becoming executive secretary to the District Administrator.
Nina was a lifelong patron of the arts. A beautiful soprano, she was a member of the Incarnation Catholic Church Choir for over 25 years. She was an avid opera lover and could sing many famous arias. She also loved Broadway shows and for over 30 years made yearly trips to New York City. Little did she know that she would one day, see her own granddaughter Francesca perform on Broadway. During the 70s & 80s Nina was a patron of the Florida Ballet Theatre and then a supporter of the Frank Rey/OnThe Edge Showdancers Performance Group. For the past 20 years Nina has provided financial assistance in the form of scholarships to promising young dancers.
More than anything else, Nina was devoted to her family. She was an amazing cook and will be remembered for the large holiday and family celebrations that she hosted & her family so enjoyed. Her “pasta cu lo succo” and baked chicken were the family favorite and prepared almost every Sunday.
On December 17th, 1950 Nina married into the Leto family. As the last surviving member of the nine Leto siblings and their spouses, Nina was adored by her many loving nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed by her seven “surrogate” daughters. Her death marks the end of an era in the Leto family history but her legacy will live on in those who were recipients of her kindness, generosity and profound love.
Out of an abundance of caution a private graveside funeral will be held with a celebration of this extraordinary life at a later date.
Donations can be made in memory of Nina to Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa or The Italian Club of Tampa (L’Unione Italiana)
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