Carolina Policicchio

Merritt Island

Carolina Melia Crisafulli Policicchio, 97, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 11, 2012, while living at The Place at Merritt Island Assisted Living.

Born on November 19, 1914 in Wadsworth, OH, she moved to Merritt Island in 1920 with her parents, Carmelo and Domeneca Crisafulli. She graduated from Cocoa High School in 1930. She married Pasquale Policicchio in 1934 and lived in Tampa, FL until 1946 when she returned to Merritt Island and joined the family's citrus business. In 1955, she and Pasquale founded Policicchio Groves on North Merritt Island where it is still an active citrus business operated by her daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Joe Kaplet.

She is survived by her children, Angelina (Oliver) Lewis, Lidia (Ken) Owens, Charlie (Nina) Policicchio, Ruth (Joe) Kaplet, and Sarah (Ed) Jones; sister, Josephine Ramshur; 15 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pasquale; her parents, Carmelo and Domeneca Crisafulli; and brothers, Tony and Ben Crisafulli.

Carolina is remembered as an extremely hard working business owner with a strong business ethic along with her unwavering Christian faith. She was active most of her life in the Christian Church of Courtenay, Merritt Island; which was founded by her father, Carmelo Crisafulli in 1947.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Place at Merritt Island Assisted Living, for their love and support during Carolina's nearly five year stay; and also to thank Wuesthoff Hospice Care for their sincere loving and caring support during her last days.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 17 at 1:00 pm, followed by a service at 2:00pm at Florida Memorial Funeral Home. Please share memories and sign the guestbook at www.floridamemorialfh-gardens.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made either to Destiny Christian Church, 700 S. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952, or to Wuesthoff Hospice, 8060 Spyglass Hill Rd, Viera, FL 32940.