TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suszynski, Known As Ybor Hostess, Dies At Age 86

ADVERTISEMENT

Published: October 27, 2008

TAMPA - Mamie Ferlita Suszynski, who helped organize banquets in Ybor City and once sang for Vice President Harry S. Truman, died from pancreatic cancer Saturday. She was 86.

Born Domenica Louise Ferlita, Suszynski grew up in Ybor City.

As a teenager, she discovered a talent for singing. By the time she was a young woman, she had her own radio program on WFLA. During World War II, she sang for the vice president and the troops at the former Drew Field.

At one of these performances she met Technical Sgt. John Suszynski, a piano player from Pittsburgh. They married after the war and moved to McKees Rocks, Penn., outside Pittsburgh, where they raised three sons.

In 1966, her husband died of a sudden heart attack. A few years later, Suszynski moved back to Tampa and took a job typing and filing records at Tampa General Hospital. She retired in 1994.

Known by friends as Mamie, Suszynski won a reputation in later years for throwing elaborate luncheons.

She belonged to several social clubs, including the Italian Club in Ybor City, and became known for her monthly get-togethers that sometimes attracted hundreds of guests. In 2003, she was named Woman of the Year by the Women's Auxiliary of the Optimists Club.

"My impression is it was just something she was good at. She had a lot of spunk and personality," said John Suszynski, one of her sons.

In addition to three sons, she is survived by two sisters and her ex-husband, Sal Scalfani. A funeral Mass is scheduled for noon Wednesday at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Highway. The viewing is set for 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT