Born on May 1, 1934, in Mirabella Eclano, Italy, Pina was the beloved daughter of Rosa D'Ambrosio and Carmine LaVita, and the youngest of their eight children. On February 23, 1956, she married the love of her life, Gaetano A. Ciullo. Together they shared more than 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2017.
Pina enjoyed working for over 10 years at The Miami Herald. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church throughout her life. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of who she was, and she found great comfort in attending Mass and praying the Rosary.
Above all, Pina's greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives were enriched by her unwavering love, kindness, and generous spirit.
Pina is survived by her daughters, Candy Christensen-Barker (Russ Ames) and Diana Tamayo (Bill); her grandchildren, Daniella Lee (Noah) and Andrew Christensen; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Savannah, Canyon, and Vienna.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gaetano A. Ciullo, as well as seven siblings, four nieces, two nephews, and a son-in-law.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2281 State Road 580, Clearwater, Florida 33763. A reception will immediately follow from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759.
Pina will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of faith, devotion to family, and compassionate heart will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Pina's memory to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation by mailing a check to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, or by making an online contribution through the Foundation's donation page at https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations2/.
