Marie Blanton Gregorio, 99, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 9, 2019. She was born in Lake Byrd, Florida on February 2, 1920 to Bartow and Martha “Mattie” May Blanton. Marie attended Florida Bible Institute and was a strong Christian throughout her life. It was during this time that she joined her sister, Inez, and friend, Pearl, to form The Rainbow Trio. Their songs showed their great love of God.
Marie met the love of her life, Peter Gregorio. They married at MacDill Air Force Base Chapel on March 17, 1944 and set up their home in Tampa. They later founded Davis Islands Super Market which is still remember fondly by many Davis Islands families. Marie and Peter remained together until his death in 1999.
Marie has two children Frank Gregorio (Nancy) of Odessa, Florida and Carole Chapla (Mike)of Tampa , 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She has two remaining sisters, both of Tampa: Inez Howard and JoAnn Ippolito.
Services will be held at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Garden of Memories at 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, on Saturday , February 16 at 11 a.m.. Marie’s burial will follow at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park cemetery. She will be buried along side her husband.