Melissa Joy DaPonte Mazza, age 53 died at Morton Plant Hospital on March 26, 2021. Melissa was born in Rhode Island on June 3, 1967, to Joseph DaPonte and Elizabeth Camara. Her younger years were lived in Bristol, RI where she attended St. Elizabeth Catholic School. She moved with her parents to Valrico Florida in 1980. Melissa graduated from Brandon High School and The University of Tampa where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business.
Melissa married the love of her life, David Mazza on June 22, 2002. Together they raised three beautiful children, Natasha, Jeremy and Isabella. Melissa loved her family and devoted her life to her kids and loving husband. Her favorite things to do were going to the beach and watching the beautiful sunset over the waters. She loved going fishing, gardening, taking care of her pets and keeping family traditions. She was an avid cook and baker. Every Sunday she would have the entire family over for dinner. She would cook all day making her favorite dishes and desserts. She made Spaghetti, Chicken and Sauce, Chourico and Peppers, and her famous Chicken soup. Another family tradition was every New Year’s she would make Baked Stuff Lobster that her Daddy taught her to cook. The best tradition she kept was the night before anyone’s birthday, she would go buy a mini cake and before midnight she would set up a mini birthday celebration and we would sing Happy Birthday to whoever‘s birthday it was at that time.
Melissa had a strong spirit, which allowed her to endure life's challenges.
She often volunteered at her children's schools. Melissa worked for the Pinellas County School Department for over 10 years. Recently she ran her own business, "Melissa's Dream Cakes".
Raised in a devout Catholic Family, she was a faithful communicant of St. Catherine of Sienna, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She had a deep love and faith in God. To Melissa, faith was a verb, calling her to reach out to anyone in need. She had a big heart and cared about everyone. She touched so many people’s lives because of her faith in God.
Melissa is preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Bernadette and Claudia.
Melissa is survived by her loving husband David Mazza; her children Natasha (Daniel), Jeremy and Isabella. Melissa was the loving Vavo of Ava Hope Tolentino.
She is also survived by her many siblings: Charlotte Yeomans, MaryAnn DaPonte, Joyce Simard, Elizabeth Januskiewicz, Nancy, Susan, Mark, Gregory and Kenneth DaPonte, Michelle Saslow and Donna Marie Macomber; and many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18