Tina T. (Strozzi) Patalano, of Norfolk and Estero, Florida, died October 19 at her home. She was the wife of Peter P. Patalano.
Born in Somerville, the daughter of the late Angelo and Nancy (Nardone) Strozzi-Catalano, Tina was raised in West Roxbury and Roslindale.
She was a graduate of Washington-Irving High School. During World War II, she devoted many after school hours preparing gift packages for our troops serving overseas.
Tina married her husband, Peter, in 1949; together they raised two wonderful children, Cheryl Patalano of Worcester and Curtis Patalano of Franklin and Sandwich. Cheryl is a registered nurse and Curtis is an attorney and certified public accountant.
After a career of administrative work, Tina joined her husband and son in operating the Patalano Automobile dealerships, where she served as Corporate Secretary, and was responsible for purchasing. She was instrumental in its success. She was woman behind the man and her husband Peter always told her she was the “wind beneath his wings.”
Tina was responsible for the dealerships being established in Franklin. When Tina first saw the Franklin location, she fell in love with the Town, and soon the Town fell in love with Tina.
Tina was a physical fitness fanatic and until the day she retired from the business, she would rise at 3:00a.m. to begin her exercise regiment. She enjoyed dancing and traveling. She and her husband traveled the world and visited most of the countries in Europe, including Russia, where they were one of the few people invited to dine within the Kremlin walls. Her travels also took her to Africa, South America and Asia.
Tina really enjoyed spending time with her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
During her lifetime, Tina was loved by many and will be missed by everyone whose life she touched.
In addition to her husband and children she is survived by her grandchildren, Jason L. and his wife Melissa (Moorehouse) Milligan of Saugus and Courtney N. Milligan of Worcester.
She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Madison, Jeremy, and Callan.
She is also survived by her siblings Vincent Strozzi of Wrentham, Louis Catalano of Yarmouthport, Mary Hagerty of Stoughton and the late Ralph Strozzi and Anita Salvi, and many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday October 23 from the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street Franklin at 9:15 followed by a funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church at 10:00.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4-8.