Vincenza Jane DeMasi
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Vincenza Jane DeMasi announces her passing. Jane died peacefully at her home in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 29, 2024.
While this date sadly marks her passing, it also joyfully commemorates the 66th wedding anniversary of her marriage to Clement James DeMasi, M.D. who along with her children and their spouses, has been steadily by her side for the past several months.
Jane, also known lovingly as Mimi, was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was born February 10, 1935, to Ralph and Carmella Zillitto in New York City.
Jane and her younger brother, Frank Zillitto, were lifelong baseball fans. As a teenager, her favorite pastime was attending baseball games at Yankees Stadium in the Bronx and later in life she rarely missed a Yankees game on TV or radio. She once chatted with the former owner of the Yankees, George Steinbrenner at a winter game in Sarasota where they became fast friends discussing the players and the plays.
She attended PS 31 High School in NYC and earned a degree from City College of New York. After their marriage in 1958, Jane and Clement moved from New York City to Winston Salem, NC. During this time, Jane became the administrative assistant to the president of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and shortly thereafter, she and Clement started their family.
In 1968 after brief moves to Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, LA for Clement’s medical training, Jane and Clement chose to settle in Florida and make Venice home for them and their five children. Jane worked as office administrator for her husband’s medical practice, Venice Internal Medicine, for more than 10 years as well as later establishing and managing his private practice in gastroenterology.
In addition to her office skills, Jane managed her busy home with nonstop energy and unconditional love. She was the consummate cook and enjoyed hosting gatherings small and large at her home. She served up amazing meals for all those she loved including family, friends as well as her kids’ teammates. Newcomers to Venice were often welcomed with a delicious Italian dish she delivered to their homes.
She was a perennial participant in community organizations ranging from the Venice Vikings Football program to Epiphany Catholic School and Church and The Venice High School boosters. She could make a friend in less than a minute that lasted for decades. Jane learned to play tennis, then golf and is the only family member to get a hole-in-one at The Oaks Golf Club.
Her many strengths, talents, and unconditional love earned her the highest respect and admiration from her family. Her grandchildren especially found her to be a positive role model in their lives. Four of her grandchildren/great-grandchildren are named in her honor.
Jane is predeceased by her mother, father, and brother. She is survived by her husband, Clement, and their five children, Richard (Rebecca), Robert (Debbie), Ronald (Susan), Ralph (Anita) and Denise (Reese). Her grandchildren, Stephanie (Tom), Joey (Graham), Gina (Jose), Michael, Matt (Sabrina), Tyler, Madison (Layne), Madelyn Jane (Greg), Nick, Julia, Gianluca, Danny (Brittany), Amanda (Mike) and Olivia Jane. Her great-grandchildren Capri Jane, Clarissa, Skylar, Daniella Jane, and Declan.
The DeMasi family wishes to thank the many caregivers for their kindness and expertise. Especially, Brad Hupp, M.D. for his guidance and Grace Mlynarska who has been supportive for many years.
There will be a gathering of friends on Friday, July 19th from 6 – 8 pm at Farley Funeral Home, Venice. Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church on Saturday, July 20th at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tidewell Hospice, 3550 South Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, FL 34239
