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Mary PROVENZANO Obituary
She was born in Houma, La., and moved to Tampa as an infant. Mary graduated from Hillsborough High School, became a beauty queen and worked in the Tampa Shipyards during World War II. That was just the beginning for her. She was a pioneer before her time. She and her husband, Mike LaBarbera, opened a humble Gator Food Store on Dale Mabry in the early 50' s, selling groceries and Cuban sandwiches. This business grew into one of the most successful restaurants in Tampa, The Tropics Steak House which she later sold to Malio Iavarone, who changed it' s name to Malio' s. At the ripe age of 50, she retired the old fashioned way: earning, saving and investing. Mary made her mark. She was predeceased by her husbands, Mike LaBarbera, Al Paskert and Tony Provenzano; brothers, Rosario and Sam Ferlita; and sister, Mamie Suszynski. She is survived by her son, Michael (Mary "Charlie") LaBarbera; granddaughter, Tracy LaBarbera; grandson, Michael (Sara) LaBarbera; great-granddaughter, Ava LaBarbera; sister, Helen (Philip) Capitano; and sister- in-law, Bertha Ferlita. She is also survived by her extended family, Jim (Tobea) Paskert, Kathy (Charlie) Seoane, Mary (Bob) Brannon, Bill Paskert, Celeste (Cecil) Kirkland and Dena (Len) Oppenheim; as well as eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and Circle 8, the Italian Club, the Tampa Woman' s Club and a prior member of the Krewe of Venus. She was also an accomplished artist who won state titles for her painting and had her first official successful art showing at the tender age of 91. A wake service will take place 3-5 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2009, at the Marsicano-B Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, and a funeral Mass will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, December 14, 2009, at Christ the King Catholic Church, with internment following at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael LaBarbera, David Paskert, Brian Lime, Kevin and Jeff Brannon and Charlie and Steven Seoane. Honorary pallbearers will be Russell, Paul and Angelo Ferlita; Frank, Jay and Angelo Suszynski; and Anthony Charbonier. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Society. Marsicano-B.Marion Reed- Stowers Funeral Home
4040 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 289-4229
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary PROVENZANO
Anita Tannuzzo
December 21, 2009
My deepest sympathy for all of Mary's family and friends. Every one who knew her will feel a great loss. She will be missed!
~Anita Tannuzzo and Patricia Farnum
Diane and Craig Fenton
December 14, 2009
To all of Nonny's family, my sympathy. It was always such a pleasure to share her company. She was a blessing to you and your memories of her will continue to bless you. Love to all.
Malio Iavarone
December 14, 2009
Mary will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories. She was a successful business woman before most women even thought of starting a business. She was supportive throughout my years at Malio's and I always appreciated her advice and encouragement. She was truly a special lady.
Malio & Shirley Iavarone
Marilyn LaBarbera
December 13, 2009
Aunt Mary, a very special lady, you wil be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.
All our love, Johnny, Marilyn, and John A. LaBarbera
December 13, 2009
We feel privileged to have known this remarkable woman who shared her talent and humor with everyone around her. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family who will miss her the most although all of us will miss her. Tony and MaryAnn Romer
John Fagot
December 13, 2009
Mary was so kind to our family especially my brother and I who were boyhood friends with Michael. She often included us in her family events and made us feel like family. Just a great person who we will always remember. Our condolences to Michael, the Ferlita family and all of the people who loved her. John Fagot
December 13, 2009
Mary gave me a lovely painting as a child..I will treasure it forever...Rest in heavenly peace Mary.
Suzanne Davis-Perez
December 13, 2009
Thank you for allowing me to be one of your servers at Tropics, I appreciate the confidence you put in me. Rest in peace,
Lil Davis
December 13, 2009
Thank you for allowing me to be one of your servers at Tropics, I appreciate the confidence you put in me. Rest in peace,
Lil Davis
Josephine Mercer
December 13, 2009
Aunt Mary we love you very much and you will be missed more than ever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Ted and Josephine Campisi Mercer
Felice Seriel
December 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 13, 2009
"Mary was a wonderful person - warm, talented, and kind with a very keen sense of humor. She was a very special friend, and I will miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time. The memories may be painful now, but some day they will be a comfort to you. Time does heal, after all."
Jeanne Madigan, (University Village, Tampa, FL)
December 13, 2009
"Mary was a wonderful person - warm, talented, and kind with a very keen sense of humor. She was a very special friend, and I will miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time. The memories may be painful now, but some day they will be a comfort to you. Time does heal, after all." Jeanne Madigan, (University Village, Tampa, FL)
Kimberly Scolaro
December 13, 2009
Aunt Mary, may you see the world shine from up above. You are loved and will be missed.
Paula Peterson
December 13, 2009
Mary(Nana) lives in our hearts and serves as an example of a life well lived. She will be missed. Our prayers are with you all. Eric, Paula and Elena
Maxine and Loren Oppenheim
December 12, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Shelley,Chrisahnd Sydney Ciulla
December 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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