Dawn Marie Annillo

Dawn was born on October 19th in Kittery, Maine. She graduated from Rancho High School, Las Vegas, attended college at the University of Nevada, Reno and graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with a degree in Computer Science. After her service with the U.S. Coast Guard she was honorably discharged in San Francisco, CA. Her love of the San Francisco 49ers never waned in good times nor bad.

Dawn met the love of her life, Lori, in Pensacola, Florida in 1985. Dawn loved the ocean and all creatures of the sea but in 1987 Dawn returned to Las Vegas to be closer to her family and called Vegas home for the next 34 Years. Dawn’s superb organizational skills helped build two successful Las Vegas businesses: Southwest Sign Art, a commercial sign company, and Minuteman Press- Las Vegas West, a printing franchise. But travel was not out of the picture! San Diego, California became a frequent drive and a live football game was often the lure. Dawn delightfully discussed the games, the players and even the draft but mourned a 49ers loss for days.

Dawn was an avid reader and fell head over heels for Harry Potter everything! Books, movies, Universal Studios and her Harry Potter home décor galore! She was an exemplary Hufflepuff, unafraid of toil. She battled several illnesses and physical limitations without complaint. Dawn was the strongest woman in times of challenge, fiercely loyal to her family, friends and underdogs; She was kind, generous and protective. Dawn loved all animals but had a special place in her heart for dogs.

Nevada’s Lake Mead fulfilled her love of the water where she camped and boated. Again, the travel bug bit and between businesses she traveled the country with Lori. They traveled the country multiple times, enjoying the road trips and spontaneity as much as the destination. The tranquil scenery surrounding their cabin in Western New York gave Dawn a sense of peace she had never experienced. She spent days watching the grass grow only to hop on her mower, fire up her i-pod and sing for hours while mowing the lawn. Fun was essential, being in tune not a priority Her eclectic love of music had no rival. Dawn enjoyed life with the enthusiasm of a child, her laugh was infectious and her friendships abundant.

Dawn is survived by her wife Lorraine (Lori) Murphy, dogs Annie and Sophie, siblings Deborah Bennet (Bill) of Florida, John A. Annillo (Lan), nieces Jennifer and Stephanie Annillo; Carmen A. Annillo III (Jason), and Joan Rose Annillo (Mike Mclean) all of Las Vegas, NV and Godfather Joe Miller of New Jersey. Dawn was preceded in death by her father; Lt. Col. Carmen Annillo Jr. (Ret), Mother Joan C. Annillo; Uncle, John J. Annillo and sisters Lynn Ann and Joan Elizabeth Annillo.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Nevada SPCA at www.nevadaspca.org or Friends of City of Buffalo Animal Shelter at www.friendsofcbas.org.

The date for a memorial service is yet to be determined.