Dorothy Romagnoli, 77, of Ruskin, FL, passed away in her sleep while at home surrounded by loved ones on the evening of Monday, September 26th, following a prolonged illness. Dorothy was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey on January 31, 1934 and lived with her parents, Samuel and Angelina Joffino Martinelli (now deceased) in Easton, Pennsylvania throughout her high school years.
Later, Dorothy met then married the love of her life and husband of 58 years, Valentino Romagnoli of Alpha, New Jersey, where they welcomed two daughters, Valerie and Mary Lynn, and built their family home. During the following years, Dorothy was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church, an active volunteer in the Republican Party, and was employed by Nytronics, Inc. during the late 1960s. Subsequently, Dorothy also served as business manager first for her husband's salvage company and later for his successful business, "Val's Auction." After closing their business in 1981, Dorothy and her husband eventually achieved their dream of living on the water by retiring to a home on the Little Manatee River, in Hillsborough County, Ruskin, Florida.
After moving to Florida, Dorothy and her husband, both avid dancers, enjoyed an active social life and joined a vibrant civic circle in the 1990s as members and officers of Ruskin Moose Lodge #813. During her membership in the "Women of the Moose" (WOTM), Dorothy served in various positions including the "Academy of Friendship," as "Junior Regent," as a member of the "College of Regents," and as "Senior Regent" from 1996 to 1997.
Although Dorothy contributed much to her community, she will always be remembered for her most defining quality: her love for and dedication to her family. Dorothy's survivors include her husband, Valentino Romagnoli, daughter, Mary Lynn Dunham, from Clearwater, Florida, and eldest daughter Valerie and son-in-law, Ingmars Fridmanis, from Riverview, Florida. In addition, Dorothy is survived by her twin grandchildren, Todd and Tracy Pursel, by Donald Voorhees Pursel of Pursel's Agway in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. The twins, now 38, live with and their respective families which include Dorothy's two great-granddaughters. Grandson, Todd Matthew Pursel, his wife, Jan Marie, and their daughter, Kristin Marie, reside in Orlando, Florida. Granddaughter, Tracy Pursel White and her husband, Steve White and their daughter, Mia Grace, reside in Birmingham, Alabama; they are expecting the birth of Dorothy's first great-grandson in November 2011. Dorothy will forever be loved and missed by all.
According to Dorothy's wishes, final arrangements will be attended by immediate family only and will be conducted by Zipperer's Funeral Home in Ruskin, Florida. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice, Green Team, of Hillsborough County.