Vincenzo Salvatore LoScalzo's Obituary
Vincenzo “Vince” Salvatore LoScalzo, 88, of Tampa passed away on August 19, 2025. Born on May 6,1937 in Alessandria della Rocca, Sicily. In 1951 he immigrated into the United States along with his parents, Angelo and Anna and his siblings, Mary, Carmela, and Antonino. Vince graduated from Jefferson High School. He married the love of his life, Bessie (DiStefano) LoScalzo on July 18,1965 to whom he was married for 50 years until her passing.
His first business venture was Papa Spoto’s Italian Restaurant in the mid 60’s before transitioning in the early 70’s as a liquor sales rep for Carbo Distributing. He eventually returned to the hospitality industry as an entrepreneur, owning a number of businesses including Club Zanzibar, Mike’s Lounge, and Brother’s Lounge Jazz Club. The last 20 years were spent at Carrollwood Golf and Country Club as Food and Beverage Director and later Hotel Manager, working full-time into his early 80’s. Vince was a Knight of the Krewe of Sant’ Yago and past two term President of the Italian Club in Tampa.
He is survived by his sons, Steve LaPerna (Denise), Joseph LaPerna; grandchildren, Ryan LaPerna (Jamie), Stephen LaPerna (Morgan); great-grandchild, Luca Vincenzo LaPerna; sisters, Maria Piazza and Carmela Belluccia and numerous nieces and nephews. Vince was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie DiStefano LoScalzo; parents, Angelo and Anna LoScalzo and brother, Antonino LoScalzo; brothers-in-law’s, John Piazza and Anthony Belluccia; sister-in-law’s, Josie Palomino, Antoinette DiStefano, and Meri LoScalzo.
He gained the love and respect of countless cherished friends over the years and the love and support of his entire extended family. He looked like Paul Anka, had the personality of Dean Martin, and earned respect comparable to Frank Sinatra. He led a full life and aged like fine wine. In the end he did it his way.
Pallbearers, his nephews: Joe Piazza, Angelo Piazza, Michael Piazza, Al Belluccia, Angelo Belluccia, Joseph Belluccia, Angelo LoScalzo, and John LoScalzo. Honorary Pallbearers, his grandsons: Ryan LaPerna and Stephen LaPerna.
A Celebration of Life will be held after the services at the Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E 7th Ave, Tampa, from 3:00-6:00 PM.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Italian Club, 1731 E. 7TH AVE TAMPA, FL 33605, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3012 W Cherry St, Tampa, FL 33607 or a charity of your own choice.
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