Melita Therese Pucciarelli

Melita Therese Pucciarelli entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 29, 2025, surrounded by family in the comfort of her home. She faced a brief but courageous battle with intrahepatic bile duct cancer, meeting each day with strength and grace.
Born and raised in Follansbee, West Virginia, Melita always dreamed of life in sunny Florida. With her free spirit and determination, she made that dream come true as a young adult. Along the way she built a beautiful family and formed lasting friendships that enriched her life.
Melita had a gift for seeing the value in everyone she met. She went out of her way to lift others up, reminding them of their worth, their ideas, and the unique qualities that made them special. Her kindness was thoughtful and sincere-selfless in spirit yet grounded in the quiet strength of someone who understood how to give without losing herself. She loved the beach and never missed a chance to enjoy it with her family. A true adventurer in the kitchen, Melita was fearless when it came to hot sauce-there wasn't one she wouldn't try. She explored bold flavors with her son and son-in-law, always keeping pace when things got spicy. And with spice came sweetness; her joyful sweet tooth made every dessert, whether homemade or a spontaneous treat, a small celebration. A supreme organizer and master cleaner, she relied on the old-fashioned remedies taught to her by her parents. These simple skills became small acts of care she shared generously with those around her.
Despite making Florida her home, Melita remained a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the West Virginia Mountaineers. In her later years, some of her greatest happiness came from caring for her grandson-helping with school drop off or pick ups, filling days with fun outings, crafts, and activities. Melita loved children and made sure every little one in her presence felt cared for, loved, and free to make a mess in the name of joy-especially her three grandsons.
Melita will be forever loved and deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her daughter, Michele Roberts (Christopher), her son, Travis Whiddon (Allison), and her three cherished grandsons: Benjamin Nicholas, Travis John (TJ), and Joseph James (JJ), of whom she was endlessly proud.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Erika Zahn and Joseph Deskin.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Brandon, 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, FL 33510. The gathering will continue at 110 E. Sadie St., Brandon, FL 33510, where food and stories will honor the beautiful life Melita lived.
"I'll hold you in my heart until I can hold you in heaven."
"Country roads, take me home To the place I belong- West Virginia, mountain mama, Take me home, country roads."