Virginia D. Mistretta

MISTRETTA, Virginia D., age 96, of Tampa, passed away quietly in her home, March 22, 2003 with her family by her side. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, Mrs. Mistretta was born October 15, 1906 as a f irst generation American of Sicilian ancestry. She was a fluent speaker of English, Spanish and Sicilian/Italian. Mrs. Mistretta worked in the cigar industry, later worked along side her husband in the Tile and Terrazzo Business. She will not be known for her successes in industry of politics, but rather by her "love through the kitchen"; support of her husband's and family's business endeavors, maintaining a s trong and loving household. She was an outstanding cook whose recipes featured Italian, Spanish and Southern cuisine's, Her grandsons have always been the love of her life and she so loved her four great-gra ndchildren, who lovingly called her "nanna". She was a lifelong member of the Sons of Italy and Columbus Celebration of Tampa. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 year s, Joseph C. Mistretta. Mrs. Mistretta is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Violet M. Teston and Gene K. Teston, Sr.; grandsons, Gene K. Teston, Jr., and Joe M. Teston; great-grandchildren, Annabeth, Catalina, Joseph W. and Madison Teston; granddaughters-in-law, Roseann and Beth Ann Teston; and nieces, Rose Ann Fernandez and Francine N. Brown. A special thanks to Sam and Millie Pietrini for their love an d attention. A Funeral Mass will be offered for the repose of her soul Tuesday morning at 11 a.m., at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, with Monsignor Laurence E. Higgins, P.A., Pastor, officiating. Entombment w ill follow in Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers include: Roy Teston, Gene K.Teston, Sr, Gene K. Teston, Jr, Joe M. Teston, Camillo Castellana and Felix Calderone. Honorary Pallbearers include: Ronnie Mo ngiovi, Jerry Sainz, Guy St. Paul, Sam Pietrini, Mike Vega and Dr. Jaime Casellas. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Mrs. Mistretta. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. with a Catholic Wake Service to begin at 7:30 p.m. followed by the La Nuova Sicilia Unita Lodge #1251 Ritual at the chapel ofGONZALEZ FUNERAL HOME (813) 931-1833