Theresa Ann (Pugliese) DeSimio

Theresa Ann (Pugliese) DeSimio (97) passed from this earth into the arms of her Heavenly Father on
Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Savannah Cottage in Oviedo, Florida.
Born September 5, 1925, in Cleveland to parents Peter and Anna (Falis) Pugliese, the eldest child of
three.
In her early years, Theresa supported the war effort and served as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the bomber
plant in Cleveland during World War II. She later attended Kent State University earning a Bachelor of
Science in Education in June of 1948. She was a Speech Therapist in Flint, Michigan after graduation and
returned to Cleveland a short time later. She married Dominic DeSimio of Ravenna in July of 1949 and
became an executive assistant at American Greetings in Cleveland. After having the first of three
children, Theresa spent the remainder of her life as a devoted mother, grandmother and great
grandmother. She enjoyed traveling the US and the world, was an avid reader with special interest in
stories of the women in WWII, raised her children in the historic suburbs of Boston, and lived on the
west coast of Florida and on the southern beaches of Maine in her golden years. She lived a long and
full life, leaving a legacy of great love and affection for all those around her…she will be greatly missed
by her family and friends.
Theresa is survived by her three children and spouses Deborah DeSimio, Dawn (George) Thomas and
Dena (Thomas) Polko; grandchildren, Anna (Benjamin) Clark, Nicholas Polko, Jordan Thomas, and
Samantha Thomas; and great grandchildren, Cora Jane, Eliza Dee, and Toby Thomas Clark.
Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Anna, sister Marie Pallotta, and brother Rocco
Pugliese.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Breast Cancer foundation in Theresa DeSimio’s
name, to honor all breast cancer survivors, including Theresa, a 28-year survivor.
Private services will be held by the family at a later date.

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