MARY CARMELLA SGRILLO

Mary Carmela Sgrillo, age 94, of Lakeland Florida, peacefully slipped away on April 15, 2024 at
11:20 am after battling Parkinson’s and dementia. Her final days were spent surrounded by
her family. She was born on September 11, 1929, in Watertown, Connecticut to the late Maria
Michele (Mililo) and Pasquale Bartone. She spent her early years in Thomaston, Connecticut
and relocated to Lakeland, Florida with her husband and six children in 1971.

Mary’s greatest joy was taking care of her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted
mother, natural teacher and sincere friend all rolled into one. She had a great sense of humor
and loved to laugh–and it was contagious. Mary worked as a summer art teacher at Black Rock
School in Thomaston where she created fun and exciting stage productions, sewing classes,
braille classes and art projects for her students. She was an avid reader spending her evening
hours enjoying biographies, medical research and a good romance novel. She began her career
in the fashion and modeling industry after her children were grown. Mary put her talents to work
in fashion retail and eventually became a personal shopper and dressed a well-known country
music singer. In 1985, Mary began working as Agency Director at the Jess Anderson Talent and
Model Agency in Miami, owned by her daughter and caretaker Susan and husband Jess
Anderson, and worked closely with her daughter for over 30 years. Together they met and
worked with many famous celebrities as they provided talent for television commercials and
movies. Mary’s career was very fulfilling, so it’s no surprise that she worked until she was 89
years old.

Mary had a heart of gold and was very gentle and caring. She will be truly missed by all who
knew and loved her. She will be forever in our hearts.

Mary is survived by her children, Cindy Sgrillo, Richard Sgrillo, Susan (Jess) Anderson, Christa
(Jim) Kantner, Sandy Sgrillo and Jeffrey Sgrillo; three grandchildren, Jarrod Kantner, Taylor
Anderson and Juliana Anderson; and her sister Nancy Nardi.

She was preceded in death by her cherished husband of 74 years, Rick (Rocco) Sgrillo; her
parents, sisters Angeline Ditillo, Josephine Mango, Teresa Pietrorazio and her brothers
Nicholas, Anthony and Jerry Bartone.

Funeral will be held on April 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial
Gardens, 2125 South Bartow Highway. Lakeland, Florida 33801.

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