Shirley D Coletti, DHL

Shirley D. Coletti, DHL, born February 17, 1935, in Clinton, Kentucky, passed away on June 22, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

A trailblazer in the field of addiction treatment, prevention, and human service, Shirley Coletti distinguished herself as a leading advocate for substance-abusing women and their children and families. For over 35 years, she dedicated her life to serving others and was the Founder and President of Operation PAR (Parental Awareness and Responsibility). Her vision, efforts, and personal commitment helped transform Operation PAR from a grassroots organization into a comprehensive behavioral healthcare provider that serves thousands of families in West Central Florida. The research innovations developed at Operation PAR shaped drug treatment and prevention policies and practices across the United States and the world.

Before the founding of Operation PAR, Shirley was a registered nurse and mother. She served alongside her beloved husband, Bill Coletti Sr., as he served as mayor of St. Petersburg Beach from 1964 to 1968.

Shirley Coletti was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of South Florida to honor her lifelong commitment and achievements. Dr. Coletti's expertise in the field was recognized nationally and internationally, with appointments by former Presidents Reagan and Bush. In 1999, then Florida Governor Jeb Bush appointed her to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.

In recognition of her transformative contributions to the state and its citizens, Governor Jeb Bush nominated Dr. Coletti for the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in 2005. Shirley's induction underscores her unwavering commitment and profound influence on addiction treatment, prevention, and human services in Florida and beyond.

Shirley was a friend and advisor to Mrs. Nancy Reagan as she sought to combat drug usage in the early 80s. They were partners in founding the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth. Locally, Dr. Coletti was celebrated for her contributions, as evidenced by her induction into the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Women's Hall of Fame and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of South Florida Mental Health Institute and WEDU's Community Service Woman of the Year Award.

Shirley Coletti is survived by her daughter Pam Detrick, PhD of Ruskin, Florida, sons Jeff Brown of Naples, Florida, and Bill Coletti of Austin, Texas, along with her 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Geneva, father, Herschel, husband, Bill Sr., daughters, Cindy and Tricia, sister, Wanda, and brother, Eddie. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held at Brookdale Westlake, Austin, Texas, August 3, 2024 at 2 PM, and in St Petersburg, Florida at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be sent to The Dr. Shirley D. Coletti Leadership Library at Operation PAR to commemorate Dr. Coletti's legacy and support Operation P.A.R.'s enduring mission. More information on how to make a donation can be found at https://bit.ly/SDC-LL.