Mary C Spoto's Obituary
Mary C. Spoto, 94, of Ybor City and Tampa, passed away on March 18, 2024. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Nelson J. Spoto; mother, Antonina Cannella Cacciatore and father, Filippo Cacciatore; and sisters, Rosalie McDaniel (Dallas “Mac” McDaniel) and Pauline Palmeri (Jack Palmeri). She is survived by her brothers, Dr. Angelo Cacciatore (Judith “Pat” Cacciatore) and Phillip Cacciatore (Noreen Cacciatore); children, Dr. Vincent M. Spoto (Dr. Adriana Otto), Nelson J. Spoto, Jr., and Dr. Antoinette Spoto-Cannons (Dr. Andy Cannons); grandchildren, Adri Spoto, Danny Cabeza, Gregory Spoto, and Max Spoto; and many other extended family members.
Mary was born and raised in Ybor City, Florida. She was a proud graduate of Hillsborough High School and the University of Tampa, where she pursued her passion for education. Mary spent over a decade teaching and shaping young minds at Benjamin Franklin Junior High before taking time off her career to focus on raising her family in Tampa, Florida, alongside her husband Nelson. Mary was a devout Catholic; she poured her heart into her family before returning to the classroom at the Academy of the Holy Names. Mary's journey from her upbringing in a close-knit family to raising her own loving family and then returning to teach at the Academy of the Holy Names is truly remarkable and inspiring. Over the course of nearly three decades, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to educating and motivating students, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will be treasured for years to come. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Mary shared many special and magical moments with her loved ones. Her kindness, faith, and love touched the lives of everyone around her.
A visitation for Mary will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of mass at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33614, and a graveside service at 1 p.m. at the Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4502 E. Lake Ave., Tampa.
On behalf of Mary, her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her dedicated physicians and all those who cared for her with love, laughter, prayers, strength, and comfort. You truly made a positive impact on her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Academy of the Holy Names, Moffitt Cancer Center, or USF Foundation for Cardiovascular Research Fund (#251680).
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