Stefano Martino Chillura, age 87, of Temple Terrace, passed away on August 21, 2022. He was born in Santo Stefano Quisquina, Sicily, Italy on January 30, 1935 to Francesco and Francesca (Zambito) Chillura.
Stefano’s story is the true Immigrant story. His mother was born in Ybor City to Italian immigrants who would travel seasonally to Ybor City for work in the cigar factories before returning home at season’s end. As a young man, Stefano worked on the family farm in Sicily. He always dreamt of coming to America, the Land of Opportunity. One season, an equipment spark spread and burnt the entire season’s crop. At that moment, Stefano decided that it was time to fulfill his dream and moved to America. In 1969, at the age of 35, with very little money and not speaking a word of English, Stefano embarked on the ship Michelangelo, arriving at Ellis Island. He immediately began his career working at Florida Dairy in Tampa while also attending night classes to learn English. Six months later, his beloved wife, Giuseppina “Pina” and their two children, Frank and Angela joined him. After a lengthy career at Florida Dairy, he became a partner at A & S Body Shop. Upon retiring from the Body Shop, Stefano continued working with his son, Frank, building the family’s real estate business. He, along with his wife Pina, were the pivot around which the entire extended family revolved. They were the center of each holiday celebration and family gathering. They made a life full of joy, finding happiness in family and in the simple things.
Stefano was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Giuseppina; and brother, Nicola Chillura. He is survived by his son, Frank Chillura (Angela); daughter, Angela Infante (William); eight grandchildren, Steven, Julianna, Joseph, Marissa, Francesca, Sophia, Gabby, and Nico; sisters, Rosalia and Erina; brother, Giuseppe; and many more extended family.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 28th from 3-5 pm, at Blount & Curry Terrace Oaks Chapel 12690 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace. A Funeral Mass for Stefano will be Monday, August 29th at 10 am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Interment following at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park.
Pallbearers, Steven Chillura, Joseph Chillura, Leonardo LetoBarone, Frank Chillura, Salvatore Urso, Carl Avari-Cooper.
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