Mary Rose Giaritelli

Mary Rose Giaritelli, age 98, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida, one week after celebrating her 98th birthday. Mary was born on June 10, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Nicholas and Ida Pennella. She grew up surrounded by a loving family and carried the values of faith, hard work, compassion, and devotion to family throughout her life. In 1965, she moved to Miami, Florida, where she raised her family and built a life centered on love, service, and community. She spent the last 30 years of her life in Tallahassee, Florida. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, Daniel Joseph Giaritelli, who passed away in 1996. Together, Mary and Daniel built a beautiful life centered on family, faith, and adventure. They shared a love of travel and created countless memories exploring both the United States and destinations abroad. Whether close to home or across the world, they cherished experiencing new places together and sharing those adventures with family and friends. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Kathleen Coscia, Nan Farriella, and Rocco Pennella. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Napolitano. A devoted mother and grandmother, Mary is survived by her children: Anthony Giaritelli and his wife Eda; Joseph Giaritelli and his wife Patricia Jean; Nicholas Giaritelli and his wife Marianne; Daniel Giaritelli and his wife Mary; Julia Francisco and her husband Eddie; and Christopher Giaritelli. She was a cherished grandmother to Joseph Giaritelli, Michael Giaritelli, Brian Giaritelli, Melissa Dempsey, Katherine Whitehead, Nicole Giaritelli, Anna Giaritelli, Kristina Giaritelli Perea, D.J. Giaritelli, Elizabeth Hammer, Danielle Giaritelli Litterer, and Joseph Daniel Giaritelli. She was also blessed with 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her tremendous joy and pride. Mary began her career as Head Bookkeeper at Hanover Trust in Brooklyn, New York. After dedicating herself to raising her children, she often reflected on that chapter of her life by saying, “The best years of my life were raising my family.” Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aromas of meals prepared in her kitchen. Cooking for those she loved brought her great joy, and she often reminded family and friends that her recipes were always “made with love.” Gathering around her table was one of the many ways she expressed her deep affection for others. Once her children were grown, she worked for Burdines in Miami, where she served for ten years before retiring. Retirement did not slow her down; instead, it opened new opportunities for service and fellowship. Throughout her life, Mary generously gave her time to others. She was active in Young at Heart, Friendship Circle, and Bible Study Fellowship. She served as a Pink Lady Volunteer at Baptist Hospital in Miami and later volunteered at a nursing home in Tallahassee, bringing comfort, kindness, and companionship to those around her. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church since 1996. Mary will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her deep faith, her gentle spirit, and her generous heart. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her greatest joy was gathering with her family, celebrating their accomplishments, preparing meals for those she loved, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, faith, service, and devotion to family lives on in the many lives she touched. Her family rejoices in the promise that she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served. Mary Rose Giaritelli will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever held in the hearts of her family and friends. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, followed by a reception. Burial will take place Monday, June 22, at 10 o'clock in the morning at MeadowWood Memorial Park. Jessie Hill of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Giaritelli family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Mary Rose Giaritelli

June 10, 1928 - June 17, 2026