Carmine R Cecchini

Carmine Ralph Cecchini, 96, of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 27, 2025 at Tampa General Hospital. Born on November 17, 1928 in Port Chester, NY, “Butch” lived a long and full life marked by love, generosity, and faith.

Carmine was first married to Catherine Ginicolo, with whom he shared many wonderful years until her passing in 1989. Together they raised two children and built a life rooted in love and shared values. Later, he was blessed to find love again and is survived by his wife, Eleanor “Norie” Ziegler, whom he married in 2003. Their lives together were filled with companionship, dancing, travel, and laughter.

He is also survived by his children, Lawrence (LuAnn) Cecchini and Lisa Cecchini, his grandchildren Catherine, Rogers, and Spencer, as well as two great grandsons. He will be deeply missed by Norie’s daughters, Susan (Scott) Chin and Laura (Michael) Gorman, and by her grandchildren Sydnie, Zachary, Patrick, Anthony, Michelle, and Peter. Butch is survived by his brother Joseph Cecchini and his sister Marie Paen, and several nieces and nephews, as well as his dear friend, Doug Messineo.

Carmine was a dedicated CPA in the state of Connecticut, a celebrated competitive ballroom dancer and an avid fisherman. He served two years in the US Army during the Korean conflict and rose to the rank of Corporal. He will be remembered for his corny jokes, attention to detail, and his delicious pineapples. He will be remembered with joy by many in his retirement community.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday September 24, 2025 at 9:30am at Salishan Gracious Living, 191 Astaire Lane, Spring Hill, Florida 34609. Inurnment with military honors will follow at 11:30am at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.