Angelo S. Lorenzo

Angelo Salvatore Lorenzo, 63, lost his valiant battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Philadelphia chromosome on April 11, 2012. Angelo endured a protocol of 10 types of chemotherapies, as well as countless tests, transfusions, physical therapy sessions, and hospitalizations, with a stem cell transplant on Jan. 28, 2012, his final hope for survival. He remained at Moffitt Cancer Center over 28 challenging days, resulting in engraftment as his blood cells began regenerating. But the harsh chemotherapy required to start the transplant process and rejection issues caused complications that destroyed his liver. Though Angelo finally succumbed after nine months of fighting and struggling, he never gave up!

Of Sicilian and Spanish heritage, Angelo was the proud grandson of Angelo Bedami, Rosalie DiPietra Bedami, and Mary Ferreri Lorenzo. Since he was the Bedami family’s first-born grandson, he was affectionately known as “Big A.” Known also to family and friends as “Ange,” he was also the beloved son of deceased father Sam Lorenzo and Katie B. Lorenzo, who survives him along with his sisters Marilyn Yarbrough and Kathleen Tetidrick, and nephews Beau and Ryan Davie.

Angelo had a gifted mind and possessed innumerable talents. He was an avid reader, enjoyed woodworking, music, and all the arts. He cut and polished gemstones and set them in his own hand-cast jewelry, became a painter, and created leaded glass lamp shades and windows for more than 40 years. A passionate antique collector, he was always on the hunt for a $10 item maybe worth $1 million. He learned to speak seven languages, which helped him on his extensive travels. He particularly enjoyed Europe, especially Sicily, where he often visited cousins. Another favorite pastime was fishing with rod and reel or his own handmade cast net, and cooking the fish he caught. That brings to mind his insatiable love and enjoyment of a fine meal with a good glass of wine. Angelo also loved walks on the beach.

All of those who enjoyed friendships with Angelo will remember him for his respectfulness, diplomacy, dedication to his job of 34 years with the Social Security Administration, and his love of family. Most important to him were the lights of his life, his son Aaron and daughter Angela, who survive him along with his wife of 37 years Martha Jean, who will never stop loving him.

This nine-month journey Angelo and Martha Jean struggled with day after day was made bearable by you, dearest family and friends, who reached out with support, as well as the entire team at Moffitt: physicians including Dr. Taiga Nishihori, his transplant physician, supporting physicians including Dr. Melissa Alsina, physician assistants, nurses, techs, the cafeteria and cleaning staff, valet parkers, and security personnel. Angelo and I can simply say, “Thank you.”

It’s over. My heart is broken forever. I can never again hold my husband’s hand or kiss his lips. My children Aaron and Angela will miss their father until the end of time. This journey was the only choice Angelo had to live, and he faced it courageously and with strength beyond comprehension until his last breath. Sadly, it was not meant to be.

In lieu of flowers, Angelo would appreciate you considering stem cell donation to save a life through beamatch.org. He understood the joy a leukemia patient can experience with the words, “A perfect 10 match has been found.” Alternately, he would suggest a donation to the Humane Society, in light of his many pets and love of all animals.

Finally, at Angelo’s request, you are invited to say goodbye to our beloved and cherished husband, father, son, and brother at a memorial gathering from 5-8 p.m. on April 14, 2012, at Gonzalez Funeral Home, located at 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. His children will deliver eulogies at 6:30 p.m.