Karen Sue Lodato

Karen was a force of nature! Anyone who knew her, loved her and accepted her just as she was; Sassy, Feisty, Loud. Karen loved her life and she definitely lived it her way. Her friends were many, true, and wonderful.

Karen fought for the unborn; standing in front of abortion clinics…praying Rosary after Rosary. She lost some friends who did not agree with her, but Karen stood her ground and beliefs.

In 1963, Karen graduated from Robinson High School. Later she graduated from Tampa Business Schooland earned an Associates degree from St. Pete Junior College.

In 1971, Karen landed in New York City as a buyer for J.C. Penney.

Eleven years later, her life took a turn after she broke her leg while playing softball. She came home to her parents in Tampa – and never left home again.

She attended and graduated from Culinary School , buying Anthony's Pizza in North Tampa. She was well-known for making a delicious pizza.

Wanting to travel, she sold her business and did just that! Her passport reads like a geography book: Rome (twice), China (twice); Egypt; Germany; France; Cuba; the Caribbean. She drove all over the United States, and fell in love with the West. Her last trip was to visit the shrine of Ste. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, Canada.

Karen was a devout Catholic. Her faith is what got her through life. She loved the Blessed Mother and Our Savior. Karen had a special relationship with God and the saints. God blessed her in many ways.

Karen was pre-deceased by her precious parents, Americo and Katherine, as well as all of her senior relatives, some cousins and several friends.

She is survived by her only sibling, Maura Lodato Quirk and her brother-in-law, Richard; and her three loving nephews; Richard IV (Terri), Michael (Tiffany), Stephan (Allyson); and her nine great-nephews and nieces who loved her and thought she was a hoot!

She is also survived by her very special Aunt Connie, and a wonderful cadre of cousins who have watched over and helped her throughout the years.

Karen now leaves her earthly life to be in the joyful heavenly embrace of God. We will miss her greatly.

Visitation services will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home-MacDill Avenue, located at 605 S MacDill Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33609, on November 16, 2025, from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.

Additional visitation will take place at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 4518 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL, 33611, on November 17, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, with the Rosary from 11:45 am- 2:15 pm.

This is followed by a Funeral Mass from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm with a light lunch being served after Mass. Karen will be laid to rest at Garden of Memories on a later date.