Born on August 1, 1928, to Gaetano and Rosalia Provenzano, Vi lived a long and remarkable life filled with devotion to her family, service to others, and a spirit of adventure. A graduate of Hillsborough High School, she went on to build a life defined by hard work, creativity, and compassion.
Vi was a talented seamstress whose skill and dedication touched many lives. Alongside her beloved husband, Dominic Ficarrotta, she owned and operated Don's Ornamental Iron, helping to build a successful family business. Together, they shared a love of travel and explored destinations around the world, creating cherished memories wherever they went.
A woman of deep faith and generous heart, Vi was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church and was involved in numerous community organizations, including the Sons of Italy, the OWLS, Dolly Circle and the Picnic Club. She found great joy in quilting and giving back to those around her. Even into her 90s, she faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to helping others with kindness and dignity.
Vi was preceded in death by her husband, Dominic Ficarrotta; her parents, Gaetano and Rosalia Provenzano; and her siblings, Josephine and Joseph.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her daughter, Donna and husband Larry Bryant; her son, Dennis and wife Annette Ficarrotta; her grandchildren, Christa and husband Paul Evans; Nicole and husband Rocci Aiello; Shant Ficarrotta; and Lauren and husband John Van Haren; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Isabella, Samantha, Francesca, and Delaney.
Vi's greatest joy was her family. She will be remembered for her warmth, strength, generosity, and unwavering love for those she held dear. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the countless acts of kindness she shared throughout her years.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that her love, faith, and beautiful spirit will remain with them always. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to All Saints Lutheran Church or Christian Social Services, two organizations deeply meaningful to Vi.
A wake will be held on Monday, November 2, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home – Carrollwood, located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618.
A committal service will take place on Tuesday, November 3, at 10:00 AM at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 E. Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 11:00 AM at All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Rd, Lutz, FL 33558, with a reception to follow immediately after the service.
