Tina Rose DelCoco (nee Cosentino) of Satellite Beach FL passed away peacefully on November 25th, 2018 at the age of 96. Mass will be held at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic FL on Friday, December 7 at 1:00. The family will be receiving visitors at the church beginning at noon. Arrangements by Beach Funeral Home.
Tina was born and grew up in Pittston PA. She was the daughter of Sicilian immigrants. She did well in school and helped with the family grocery store in her early years. As a teenager she sang on the local radio station and had her own dance school.
During World War II she worked wiring the tail section of Grumman TBM-3 Avengers. Because of her small stature she was one of the few people able to fit in that section. After the war, Tina worked as a secretary for the Department of Defense in the Washington DC area.
A few years later Tina and her sister Rose decided to travel cross country in their new car. They traveled along the famous Route 66 to see the country. This was a rather unprecedented endeavor for two young single ladies at that time. But Tina never shrank from a challenge.
Tina met Joseph DelCoco in Washington DC and they married in 1953. They lived in the DC area until they retired in 1976 and moved to Brevard County Florida. They had a very long and active retirement, retiring in their early 50’s. Tina and Joseph loved to travel. They often took cruises, and traveled by plane and car frequently. They were on the “Last Minute List” for cruises out of Port Canaveral, and always had a bag packed for those 48-hour notice before the cruise sails cabins at 80% discount. They often said they couldn’t afford to stay home! But they did enjoy living in the Brevard County area of Florida for over 40 years, because Tina loved the warm weather of Florida.
Tina and Joseph were members of the Astronaut Shell Club. They collected thousands of shells over the decades. Tina used these shells in her crafts making mirrors, lamps, baskets and ocean scenes. Tina and Joseph loved to dance and were a member of various social dance groups over the years. They participated in dance contests and events into their late 80s. They were married for 58 years until Joseph’s death in 2011.
After Joseph’s death, Tina spent a few years in Independent Living at a senior community. Eventually Tina moved back to her old house. She lived independently (on her own,) in her own house, driving and dancing until 3 months before her passing. Tina is survived by her son Robert, grandchildren Joseph and Jennifer and her sister Rose. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband Joseph, sister Theresa, and brother Joseph.
Tina was a strong, independent, determined and kind lady. Many adjectives have been used to describe her – energetic, fierce, caring, a Force to be reckoned with – but never boring. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
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