Maria Teresa Staropoli

With deep love and profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Maria Teresa Staropoli, who entered eternal rest on December 9,2025. She was born on June 16, 1938, in Calabria, Italy, to Nicola Staropoli and Caterina (Febbraro) Staropoli.

Raised in a close-knit Italian family, Maria Teresa was one of six children. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Caterina (Staropoli) Damico and her brother Giuseppe Staropoli. She is survived by her devoted siblings Anna (Staropoli) Cugliari and her husband Giuseppe, Vincenzo Staropoli and his wife Lina, and Rena (Staropoli) Esposito and her husband Anthony.

Before immigrating to the United States, Maria Teresa played a cherished role in Italy, helping to raise many of her siblings’ children and leaving a lasting imprint on each generation of the Staropoli family. More than fifty years ago, she came to America, settling first in New Rochelle, New York, where she later proudly became a U.S. citizen. Upon her arrival, she made her home with her sister Rena and brother-in-law Anthony, becoming a devoted second mother to their daughters, Annette and Rinamarie. She lovingly taught them the Italian language, traditions, and values of their Calabrian heritage.

A survivor of polio, Maria Teresa carried a quiet resilience throughout her life. She was a gifted seamstress and an exceptional baker, expressing her creativity and love through her work. Her deep Catholic faith and the principles instilled in her childhood guided her throughout every chapter of her life.

Maria Teresa went on to help nurture the next generation as well, becoming a warm and steady presence in the lives of Annette and Rinamarie’s children: Karly, Jeffrey, Devon, Trevor, Mitchell, and Myah. When the family later moved to Florida, she remained surrounded by their care and affection, including from Annette’s husband Ken, Rinamarie’s husband Henry, and Karly’s husband Alex.

Known for her profound mothering nature, Maria Teresa created a legacy defined by warmth, generosity, and devotion. Her traditions, her laughter, her kindness, and the love she shared so freely will live on for generations.

Though she will be dearly missed, her memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in her memory at Elev8hope.org 

May she rest in eternal peace.

A religious ceremony will be held at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, located at 2100 SE Cove Rd, Stuart, FL 34997, United States. The ceremony is scheduled for December 12, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.

Following the ceremony, a committal service will take place at Fernhill Memorial Gardens & Mauso, 1501 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, FL 34994, United States. The service will occur on December 12, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.