Gloria R. Ferlita

Gloria Rodriguez Ferlita, 98, entered into the presence of the Lord on Friday, December 15, 2023. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, Gloria was born to Eulalia and Frank Rodriguez on September 1, 1925. She was preceded in death by her parents ,the love of her life, her beloved husband, Frank Ferlita Sr., of 67 years, and her cherished son, Frank Jr., who recently passed after a five-year battle with cancer. She was also preceded in death by her uncle, Eugene Venega, whom she considered a brother. She is survived by her daughter, Glorian Weatherly, and husband, Ken, and Frank’s wife, Suzanne Ferlita, Ken and Suzanne were like her children. Her granddaughters, Lauren Breitenbach (Joe), Brittany Ferlita, and Mallory Winter (Derek), and three beautiful great-grandchildren, Weston Kenneth Winter, Ivy Lane Winter, and Birdie Elaine Breitenbach. Her fourth great-grandchild, Emerson Elaine Ferlita, is due in April. Gloria is also survived by her many loving cousins and friends.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10 AM at Mary Help of Christians Church, 6400 E. Chelsea St, with a mausoleum burial at Garden of Memories. A reception will follow at noon at Palma Ceia Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital , The Academy of Holy Names or The University of Tampa .

Gloria graduated with honors from Jefferson High School in 1944. Following her graduation, she attended the University of Tampa,on a full scholarship where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1948. She later received her Master's Degree in education in 1981 alongside her daughter, Glorian.

Gloria began her teaching career in 1948, and during her 43 years of education, she taught at Philip Shore, Forest Hills, Egypt Lake, and Crestwood Elementary schools, teaching primary and intermediate grade levels as well as serving as a curriculum and reading specialist touching the lives of hundreds of students in the Tampa area,.Gloria was awarded the Top Gun Teaching Award", recognizing outstanding teachers in the Elementary Reading Department. After retiring, Gloria enjoyed spending time helping her family in any way she could , traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe ,exercising, and using her creative talents through creating her beautiful ceramic art pieces and needlepoint designs for her family and friends always presented with love and a smile. Gloria also loved caring for her granddaughters and great-grandchildren , attending each and every school event with pride. Gloria will always be remembered for her love for teaching , her levelheaded and positive demeanor and patience beyond belief. Gloria was a member of Pan-American University Women, University of Tampa Golden Spartans Alumni Association, and the Sons of Italy. The family would like to thank the supportive and loving caregivers at Inspired Living of Tampa for their loving care of our Mom and Abuela. We will never forget your support and commitment.