Dora D'Elia

Born on March 23, 1935, in Newark, NJ, Dora was born into a large Italian-American family. From an early age, she embodied strength, compassion, and devotion to those she loved.

On July 11, 1959, she married the love of her life, Angelo, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned nearly 67 years. Dora graduated from high school and worked at Western Electric before dedicating herself wholeheartedly to being a homemaker and caring for her family.

Dora’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church for nearly 40 years, she lived her faith daily through prayer, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for others. She was kind to everyone she met and made people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Dora found joy in life’s simple pleasures — knitting and sewing, cooking for those she loved, spending days at the beach, practicing tai chi, playing tennis, and traveling the world with her beloved husband. She was also an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Lightning, never missing a game on television.

Known for her infectious smile and vibrant spirit, Dora was truly a dancing queen who never passed up a chance to dance. She brought warmth, laughter, and light wherever she went and loved her family and friends fiercely and deeply. Her presence touched countless lives, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Dora is survived by her son, Frank D’Elia (Susan Bartlett), daughter, Joanne Murray (Frank), and grandchildren Nicole Bruno (Mark), Anna D’Elia, Peter D’Elia, and Elizabeth D’Elia.

She was preceded by her father, Frank Donofrio, mother, Antoinette Russo Donofrio, and siblings Jennie Coppola, Eugene Donofrio, Geraldine Donofrio, and Leonard Donofrio.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donation be made in Dora's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Visitation will be held at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759, US, on May 27, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will take place at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home on May 27, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm, with a Reception to follow from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.