Dora CALTAGIRONE

CALTAGIRONE, Dora Scolaro a caring, confident and honorable woman died on February 19, 2022, after a long and well-lived life. Dora was born in Tampa on October 17, 1926 to Sicilian immigrants, Domenico and Anna Scolaro, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Valenti, Angie Sanchez and Frances Ginex and one brother, Dr. Joseph Scolaro. In 1948, Dora married Joseph P. Caltagirone, the man who captured her heart for 71 years and preceded her in death. Together they built a full life. As world travelers, they visited three continents and numerous countries and enjoyed the richness of cultural experiences around the globe. They shared a great pride in their Sicilian heritage and visited Sicily and Italy 10 times. Their lives were rich with close knit family, a circle of friends and many civic activities. Dora's love of her heritage inspired her involvement in numerous Sicilian/Italian organizations. Dora served in leadership positions in these organizations including as Trustee and Financial Secretary for La Nova Sicilia and Loggia Mona Lisa, both associated with the Sons of Italy. At the state level, she served as Corresponding Secretary for the Grand Lodge of Florida for the Sons of Italy. Dora was also awarded the Italian Woman of the Year Award by the Daughters of Italy Lodge. Dora was a woman ahead of her time. She completed 42 years of service at MetLife during which she worked her way up the ranks, quickly earning a management/supervisor position, something not often heard of when you are speaking of women employees in the 1940s through the 1980s. When MetLife established headquarters in Tampa in 1976, Dora was promoted to a supervisory position that involved overseeing a newly created department for Finance and Electronic Services. She had already broken the glass ceiling; to be subsequently awarded this responsible and prestigious position was a testament to her outstanding competence. Dora was also an accomplished classical pianist. Dora is survived by a brother-in-law, Philip Caltagirone of Tampa and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by 18 Godchildren. Dora was a woman of great dignity and intelligence; an outstanding wife and a friend to many. May she rest in peace and may our memories of her be a source of blessing to all who knew her. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 10:30-11:30 am at the Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 North Armenia Ave., Tampa followed by Dora's Funeral Rite at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at Italian Club Cemetery. Pallbearer will be: Joe Valenti, Ray Sanchez, Mark Ginex, Michael Caltagirone, Louis Caltagirone, Anthony Manali, Joe Caravella, Michael Perricone, Thomas LoCicero and Mario Plazza. Those who wish to honor Dora's memory, could make donations to the Italian Club Cemetery.