Mary P Perrone

Perrone, Mary Puzzillo, 87, of Tampa, FL, passed away on April 19, 2015. Mary was a Tampa native and a graduate of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic High School. After graduation, Mary worked at The Home Furniture Store, where she would meet the love of her life, Anthony (Tony), whom she married on June 1, 1947. After marriage, Mary worked at the Broadway National Bank and then at the State of Florida Insurance Commissioner's office. Later, she learned the art of floral design and opened a flower shop in west Tampa, in the same location of her parents' neighborhood grocery store. Together, Mary and Tony owned and operated Mary-Anthony Florist from 1967 until Tony's death in 1987. Mary continued to operate the flower shop until her retirement in 1991. Mary and Tony were true sweethearts and partners, both in life and in business. They had a marriage that set a beautiful example of faith, devotion and love of family for their three children. They were able to take wonderful vacations with dear friends and family to many parts of the world. Mary and Tony became members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church when they moved from Ybor City to Seminole Heights in 1957. Until ten years ago, Mary enjoyed using her talents to sing in the choir and to decorate the church for the Easter and Christmas seasons. She was a faithful attendee at the 9 A.M. Sunday Mass. Mary was always ready to support her children and grandchildren, and was as much a friend as a mother and grandmother. She had a full family life, which was her happiness and satisfaction. Mary is survived by three children: Millyan (Larry) Cabrera, Marie (John) Graffeo, both of Tampa; and Sam (Andrea) Perrone of Atlanta, GA; six grandchildren: Terra (Scott) Maskell and Ashlee (Tom) Humphrey of Atlanta, GA; Leslie (Nick) Kappiris, Lisa Cabrera Diaz, and Christopher (Lindsay) Cabrera, all of Tampa, FL; and Brian Lowman, of Orlando, FL.; seven great-grandchildren: Macy Curtis, Grace and Amelia Diaz, Gracie and Nicholas Kappiris, Brody Humphrey, and Leah Cabrera. We children wish to express our sincerest gratitude for the loving care and compassion shown to Mom by her physician, Dr. John Lippelman; and his staff, Michelle and Maggie.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 22, at 10:00 A.M (parking is available in the parking garage next to the church). We will receive guests at church from 9 A.M. until the beginning of Mass. Mary will be laid to rest beside Tony at Garden of Memories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made in Mary's name to Melech Hospice House, where she received wonderful care during her final days.

Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa