Mary was an inspiration for so many of us who were able to have opportunities in life and in our careers that were denied to many in the past.  She was a visionary and a trailblazer who honored her heritage through service to others.  She undoubtedly be missed by many but also remembered and forever loved.  Rest in Peace, Mary!


Current Family of Mary Mortellaro Caltagirone
Mary loved her large natural and blended family. Currently, they include the following members. 
Her first son, Sam A. and his former wife Norma have two daughters.  Carla, her first grandchild, married Bond Thomas and they are the parents of Cate and Keller. They live in St. Petersburg, FL.  Ciara married Matt Tate and they are the parents of Zuri and Sicily. They live in Wilmette, IL.  
Mary’s middle son, Vincent G., and his wife Sue, live in Naples, FL.  Her children are Jennifer Russell-Carpenter (Tim) and Jeremiah Russell (deceased). Jeremiah’s children are Ciana and Isaiah.  
Mary’s third son, Joseph D. (deceased), helped raise his former wife Carol’s daughter Erin Kerfoot, and their children, Lucy and Samuel. Erin married Jamin Nichols. They live in Melbourne, FL. Lucy married Adam Dunn, and they are the parents of Mary’s youngest great-grandchild, Greta. They live in Baltimore, MD.   Samuel married Rachel, mother of Carly Shiflett, and they live in Brandon, FL.  
Also surviving, are her two nephews, the sons of her brother, Jero Mortellaro: Vincent, his sons Anthony and Vincenzo, and their mother Kim; Douglas, his wife Tracy, and their sons Andrew and Nick. 
Mary's cousin George Garcia, now married to Bonnie, has three children with former wife Laura: Nancy Knubowitz, Kenny, Toni Clark, and their families. Her deceased cousin Rose Mary and husband Joe Lopez, had three children, Michael, Karen Bunk, Paul (deceased) and their families.
Mary's Aunt Maria and husband Andrew Favata had son John. John and his wife Katie (both deceased_, had two sons John (deceased) and Gregory and their families. Mary also has family in Kankakee, IL, descendants of her uncle Barney Setticasi.

Our family was truly blessed when my sister, Sue married into the  Caltagirone family.  Mary welcomed us with opened arms as she did so many.  Going to Tampa and being in her home  and enjoying her hospitality was always a feeling of love ❤️.  I look forward to the day, I will see Mary again in eternity.  I love you Mary, you raised amazing sons and  your legacy of family has grown so much and will continue to grow.  Your talents were so many and when I look around, so much of your art work and ceramics arts on display bring  a smile to my heart ❤️ .
 My condolences to all your family and loved ones❤️ I am privileged  to be a part of the love you shared ❤️  Dee Mauldin

Mary’s Early Life in her own words, continued
Part 3 of 3 Parts
“After retirement I traveled to Italy on a tour.  The highlight of the trip was a visit to the Sistine Chapel.  I also visited Sicily to meet my cousins and their families.  In the last 14 years, I joined a quilting group, oil painting class, deco art, porcelain dolls, porcelain painting and crafts at St. John Presbyterian Church, where I serve as an elder.  I volunteer as a docent at the Ybor City State Museum, where I recall the early days of Ybor City for visitors from all over the world.  
I am a gold card member of Pan American University Women (PAUW), which means I have been a member for over 50 years and have held many officer positions, including 4 years as President.  PAUW was started many years ago by a group of Latin teachers to promote the teaching of Italian in high school, which they accomplished.  As the group grew, it became the Lucerna Club.  The main objective was to convince reluctant Latin fathers to allow their daughters to attend college.  They succeeded.  The club was disbanded during WWII.  After the war, it was reactivated, reorganized and renamed PAUW.  The main purpose was education.  We give scholarships to deserving and needy students and contribute to many worthwhile organizations.  
I have been richly blessed with three sons, 3 wonderful daughters-in-law, 7 grandchildren, and many friends.  " [End]


Mary’s Early Life in her own words (continued)
Part 2 of 3 Parts
   "As in most Italian families, the girls were carefully supervised and instructed in the art of sewing, embroidery, crocheting.  Radio was an important form of entertainment, as was the neighborhood 10 cent movie theater.  I enjoyed school and did well; when it came time for college, my choice was FSCW, now FSU.  My parents consented, though they would have preferred Tampa U.  I was very grateful for the opportunity.  A four-year degree at state college in the early 1940’s cost less than $1500.  It doesn’t seem like much money, except when you consider that the average weekly salary was from $12 to $15.	I graduated with a B.S. in Math and Spanish.  My first job was as an algebra teacher at Jefferson High.  It was a rewarding experience for me.  I sponsored the cheerleaders and the class play.  The kids were great.  
In early 1947, I married [Salvatore (Sam) Caltagirone], and my first son was born in May of 1948.  Because I overstayed my leave, my position was given to another.  I soon accepted a 6th grade position at W.J. Bryan, for which I had to earn 30 additional hours in Elementary Education.  After 40 years of teaching, I retired in 1983.  I was fortunate to make many lasting friendships during that time.  After 16 years of marriage, I was divorced.  It was not easy working and raising three great boys but I was lucky to have that extended family, which was a real help.  My three sons are college graduates and successful, for which I thank God.  


Mary Caltagirone’s Early Life - Part 1 of 3 parts
As told in her own words, written in pencil, on looseleaf, lined paper.

 "I am a native of Tampa, the middle child of naturalized Americans whose native land was a small town in Sicily, Alessandria Della Rocca.  My parents immigrated to this country at an early age.  Their first jobs were in the cigar factory where they met and eventually married.  My mother continued in the cigar factory while my father went into the soft drink business.  
	My sister, brother, and I grew up in a very loving and protective atmosphere with an extended family, which was the custom at that time.  In those early days, every family member of working age was expected to contribute financially to keep the family afloat.  As a result, many young people never had the opportunity for an education except for what they gleaned from the reader in the factory.  They worked long and hard and practiced frugality—their goal was to be able to provide a better future for their children.  
	It wasn’t all work.  We, as many others, belonged to the Italian Club, where we enjoyed social activities and cultural events.  These included dances, picnics, theater, and opera.  It was a carefree ambiance; everybody knew everybody.  We walked a lot, though we always had a car.  My siblings and I were expected to do chores after school and general housecleaning on weekends.  We had ample time for playing games like hop scotch, jump rope, jacks.  We also made toys, like scooters, kites, and sling shots. 


OBITUARY

Mary M Caltagirone

December 14, 1922 – April 7, 2022

Gonzalez Funeral Home

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