Sylvia RENTZ-RUTKIN

1940 - 2024

RENTZ-RUTKIN, Sylvia 84, passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, following a severe accident. A loving wife, mother, aunt, and friend, Sylvia was born in Tampa to Benjamin and Edith Rutkin on April 8, 1940. She attended Hillsborough High School, graduating in 1958, and married her husband, William (Bill) Rentz, in 1960. Over the course of 47 years, together they raised their two children, Darla and William (Billy) Jr., and shared countless cherished memories, from family trips to fishing and lobster season in the Keys, to dinners, events, and movie nights with her brother, Ben, and sister-in-law, Barbara Rutkin. Sylvia was a beautiful and charming woman whose gorgeous smile and bubbly laughter could light up a room in seconds. She loved shopping and treasured the moments spent with her family and her close-knit group of friends, fondly known as "The Magnolias." Her loved ones will forever cherish the memory of her magnetic personality, her joyful spirit that could brighten any day, and her funny stories that brought laughter and love to every gathering. Her greatest pride was in her children. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Goldie and Dottie Rutkin; her husband, William (Bill) Howard Rentz; her daughter, Darla Rentz; her nephew, Anthony (Tony) Rutkin; and her best friend, Mary Ann Valenti. She is survived by her son, William (Billy) Rentz Jr. and his partner, Brian Ferrell; her brothers and their spouses, Ben Rutkin (Barbara) and Lew Rutkin (Kathy); and many nieces and nephews. Sylvia is also survived by her junior high school sweetheart, Edward Giunta. Sylvia and Ed found each other again after 71 years and immediately shared a special bond. They lived a beautiful life together with their cat, Bella, in companionship and love enjoying quiet moments and the beauty of nature in the woods. They also traveled and created wonderful memories with family and friends for the last 9 years. A celebration of life will be held at noon on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood, located at 3207 W Bearss, Tampa, Florida. The family will receive friends from 10 am until noon. Donations may be made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in loving memory of Sylvia Rentz. https://hstb.givecloud.co/fundraisers/in-memory-of-sylvia-rentz