Florence was born on March 26, 1942, in Dover, NJ to the late Silvio and Florence (Stych) Prandato. Florence grew up in Wharton, surrounded by multiple generations of loving family including her two sisters, Mary & Diane.
Florence met and married her husband Drew while working at McGregor’s clothing manufacturer in Dover. Florence and Drew settled in Frankford Township / Lake Owassa in 1970 where they raised their sons, David and Kevin. Florence enjoyed baking, gardening, bird watching, and the company of her dogs while in the peace and solace of their family home.
Florence was very involved with her son’s schooling and extracurricular activities. When her sons were old enough to join Scouting, she played an active role in leadership from Cub Scouts through Boy Scouts, encouraging them both to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
After raising her children, Florence began volunteering with SCARC. What began as an act of service quickly grew into a calling. Eventually, she joined the organization full-time, dedicating her professional life to empowering and advocating for the clients she served so passionately. Florence was not only a caretaker, but a loving champion for inclusion, dignity, and respect. She saw each of her clients as individuals and cultivated relationships lasting well beyond her employment which included spending time with her dear friend Pixie.
The beloved wife to Drew Diesel, Florence is also survived by her sons, David Diesel and his wife, Diana and Kevin Diesel; her granddaughter, Kelsey Martin; her sister, Mary Cangelosi and her husband, Peter and many loving nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Diane Hammond.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main Street, Branchville, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 209 US-206, Branchville, NJ with interment to follow at Branchville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to SCARC, Inc, 11 US Route 206, Suite 100, Augusta, NJ 07822.
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