Carmen C. Manali
Manali
Carmen C. Manali, 96, of Anna Maria, died at home Aug. 24, surrounded by family.
She was born March 2, 1925, in Tampa to Alfonso and Angelina Caltagirone.
In her early years, she worked as a clerk for a judge in Tampa.
She married the love of her life, Tony, and they were together for 70 years.
After their wedding, she worked at Charlie’s Market, the family business in Ybor City.
In 1963, she and her husband moved to Anna Maria with their three children, later opening Anthony’s Restaurant at the corner of Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive.
The couple loved being part of the Anna Maria community and enjoyed all the outdoor activities the island offered. She took pleasure in bragging to her northern friends how far into December she was able to go swimming.
She was beautiful inside and out.
A born fashionista, she was known for her matching outfits, great jewelry, purses and shoes — all topped off with her million-dollar smile.
Full of energy, she often was referred to as the Energizer Bunny.
More importantly, she will be remembered for her fairness, kindness, diplomacy, generosity, insightfulness and compassionate heart.
Of all her qualities, strength, grit and spunk will be her legacy.
She was the ultimate Tampa Bay sports fan. She never tired of the Buccaneers, Rays and Lightning teams.
In 2016, she also developed a deep interest in politics. She was very happy with the 2020 election results.
The family sends thanks to staff and doctors at Bradenton Dialysis Center, as well as Tidewell Hospice, Pat Webster of St. Bernard Catholic Church and her caregivers, especially Nenita Daguinotas, Lisa Bennett and Christina Tolomei.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Brown & Sons Funeral Home, 604 43rd St., Bradenton. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, followed by a reception at the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. Interment will be Sept. 9, at L’Unione Italiana Cemetery, 2520 E. 24th Ave., Tampa, with a reception following at the Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E. Seventh Ave. Tampa.
Masks are respectfully required for attendees.
She is survived by her children, Angela Calabro, Nancy Leonardo, Anthony and wife JoAnn; grandchildren Christina Tolomei and husband Andres, Lisa Bennett and husband Jason, Marc, Lori, Tony Calabro and wife Colleen, Angela Leonardo and Anna Maria Leonardo; and great-grandchildren Isabella, Ella, Sofia, Ashton, Luca, Mila and Jack.