Mrs. Giuseppina Spoto Centinaro's Obituary
CENTINARO, Giuseppina Spoto, 99, was called home by Our Lord August 14, 2008. She was at home surrounded by her loving family. She joyfully celebrated her birthday on June 2, 2008 with family and friends at a special Mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, that was celebrated by Fr. Crispin Keating, O.F. M. Giuseppina was born to Sicilian immigrants on June 2, 1909, in West Tampa. In 1912, her family returned to Alessandria della Rocca, Sicily, where she remained until 1948, when she returned to her birthplace with her older son, Joseph. In 1949, Giuseppina was joined by her husband and other children in West Tampa, and they moved to a home on Union St., which was the same street on which she was born. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, whose greatest joy was her family. Her devotion to Jesus, the Holy Mother, and St. Joseph, her Patron Saint, carried her through the challenges of life. Her love of life was evident to all in the warmth of her smile. Giuseppina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paolo, and older son, Joseph. She left a wonderful legacy for her family, which includes her son, John Centinaro (Dee), her daughters, Mary Sopkin (Jim) and Frances Pelaez (Mike), and daughter-in-law, Shirley Centinaro. Her 8 grandchildren include: Dena Gentile (Tyde), Lisa Pardo (Jim), Paul Centinaro (Amy), Ricky Cook, Michael Pelaez (Mary), Jessica Duran (Mike), Charity Plath, and Kristin Sopkin. Her 9 great grandchildren include: Natylee Gentile, Anthony and Melanie Pardo, Cecilia and Josephine Centinaro, Jeanna, Alisha, and Michael Duran, and J. C. Plath. Giuseppina is survived by her sister, Luisa Spoto Rizzolo, sister-in-law, Giuseppina Spoto, and many nieces and nephews, all of Sicily. Visitation will take place at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Monday, August 18, from 1:30 ' 2:30 pm, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated by Msgr. Laurence Higgins, P.A. Interment will follow at L' Unione Italiana Cemetery. Our thanks to LifePath Hospice Pewter Team. A special thanks to her caregiver, Ronicia M. Rome. Contributions may be made in Giuseppina's memory to St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33614 or L'Unione Italiana Cemetery, P.O. Box 5045, Tampa, FL 33675. Send online condolences to www.bozaroel.com.
Boza & Roel Funeral Home
4730 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33603
(813) 877-7676
What’s your fondest memory of Giuseppina?
What’s a lesson you learned from Giuseppina?
Share a story where Giuseppina's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Giuseppina you’ll never forget.
How did Giuseppina make you smile?