Dolores R. Zambito's Obituary
ZAMBITO, Dolores Rodriguez “Tuti”, 93, lifelong Tampa resident, passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2014 while surrounded by family and close friends and holding the hand of her only grand-daughter. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Sam P. Zambito with whom she celebrated 65 years of marriage and by her four older brothers: Pancho, Tino and Henry Aspra and Tony Rodriguez. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Gerrie Rosner, and adored son-in-law, Ken with whom she lived for six years; two grandchildren that changed and lit up her world from the moment they were born, Ashley Licata and Sam Rosner and three great-grandchildren, Jade Napoli, Philip (PJ) Licata and Julia Licata who added great happiness, joy and love to her later years. Also left to mourn her passing are extended family members that include several cousins and many well-loved nieces and nephews as well as a close group of her daughter’s friends that loved her dearly and will never forget her kind and gentle spirit. Notably, she leaves behind her cherished niece, Olga Alonso, who, from the time they were born, was more like a sister to her and with whom she shared all of life’s experiences. All who were privileged to know her were immediately drawn to her infectious laugh, quick wit, pervasive kindness and mischievious sense of humor. Dolores, an outstanding cook and avid reader, revolved her entire life around her cherished family and she never missed an occasion to be with them; into her 90’s she still attended dance recitals and volleyball games and was present at any and all special occasions. To know her was truly to love her and we are all so blessed to have such wonderful memories of her. Dolores organized the first Garment Workers Union in 1942 while she was a seamstress and in 1962 , together with her husband, became the co-founder of Santo’s Frozen Foods, Inc, a family-owned wholesale food manufacturing company that has been in existence for 54 years and is run by her grandson today. The family wishes to thank the staff of West Bay of Tampa for the kindness and love that was shown to her during her stay there and to assure you that it will never be forgotten. Most of all, the family expresses ever-lasting gratitude to Josefa Quetel, her loving care-giver who became a second daughter to Dolores and a member of our family. The devotion of her “Gran Amiga” for the past three and a half years was responsible for adding years to her life. We are eternally grateful that this very special person entered our lives. Family and friends will be received at 11:00 A.M on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 at Boza and Roel Funeral Home, 4730 N. Armenia Ave. in Tampa, Fl 33603 followed by a funeral service at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow at Centro Espanol Cemetery at 4601 E. Lake Ave. Pallbearers will be: Sam Rosner, PJ Licata, John Zambito, Joe Zambito, Michael Cueto and John Waver. Honorary pallbearers: Tony Zambito, Joe Zambito, Tony Moscato and Scott Pitcher.
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