Gloria Polo's Obituary
POLO, Gloria 84, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, January 28, 2017. A lifelong resident of Tampa, Gloria graduated from Jefferson High School. She subsequently attended the University of Tampa where she was crowned Miss Tampa U of 1951. In 1952 she married her childhood sweetheart Lionel Polo. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Gloria started her career as an elementary school teacher. Later she earned a Master’s Degree in Education Supervision/Administration from Western Carolina University and was promoted to principal of various elementary schools in the Hillsborough County Public School System. After over 30 years of distinguished service, she retired as principal of Bellamy Elementary School in order to devote her time to her family. Many of the teachers that Gloria hired and trained went on to become principals in their own right. Over the course of her career she was responsible for the education and care of thousands of Hillsborough County’s children. Despite their busy lives, Gloria and Leo raised a family and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She loved to entertain in her stylishly decorated homes and her family and friends considered her a gourmet cook. All who knew her admired her intelligence, compassion, dedication, creativity, and devotion to family. Gloria is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Lionel Polo; son, Randy Polo; daughter, Tippi Polo; brothers/sister-in-law Charlie Diaz, Jerry Polo, Joanne Polo; nieces, Vanessa (Sam) Darrigo, Gilda (Murray) Mims , Jeri Polo, Jessica Polo, Annette Bates; nephews, Charlie (Peggy) Diaz, Jr., Raymond (Kelly) Polo, John Polo; cousin Lucille Schoonmaker and many other loving cousins, friends and extended family. The family will receive friends for Visitation Wednesday, February 1, 2017 between 6 and 8 PM at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 North Armenia Avenue, Tampa. Interment will be Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 1 PM at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Shriner's Hospital, or The Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
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