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CORTLAND -- Florence Natalina de Caris, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at home with her family and her caregiver by her side.
Florence was born on Dec. 25, 1929, in Masontown, W.Va., the daughter of the late Adrian and Iole DeMedicis Belmaggio. She returned to Collelongo, Italy, and spent the majority of her childhood there before returning to Warren, Ohio, after World War II ended.
Florence earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish and French from Kent State University in 1954. She went on to a remarkable career in education, retiring from SS. Peter and Paul School after 48 years, where she taught in most of the grade levels as well as teaching Italian, Spanish and French. She left a long-lasting impact on the students that she taught, encouraged and loved. She also spent many years working as a docent at the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, reflecting a lasting appreciation for the arts and for the cultural life of her community.
Her interests and commitments extended well beyond her professional life. Florence enjoyed her regular get-togethers with her cousins and friends. She loved knitting items for her family and many different organizations. She was a member of the Butler Institute American Art, AAUW, the P.E.O. Education Organization, Delta Kappa Gamma International, the Warren Civic Music Association and the Youngstown Symphony Pops. She enjoyed being a member of her garden and book reading clubs. Her participation in these organizations further complemented her lifelong love of languages, education and the arts. She was also active in bocce and cornhole leagues for many years with her brother, Tullio, and sister-in-law, Christine Belmaggio.
On July 27, 1955, she married Vittorino "Victor" de Caris in the de Caris and Belmaggio hometown of Collelongo, Italy; he preceded her in death on Jan. 27, 1994.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Rodolfo Belmaggio; and niece, Sherri Belmaggio.
Florence is survived by her family, who were central to her life and whose love surrounded her to the end. She leaves her sons, Mario D. de Caris of Cortland and Gian M. (Kathleen Keough) de Caris of Westlake; her granddaughters, Maria, Nina and Adriana de Caris; her brother, Tullio, and her sister-in-law, Christine Belmaggio of Warren; and nieces, Tina Belmaggio Rodes (Charles, deceased), Anita Belmaggio Melaragno (James) and Monica Belmaggio Groves (James); as well as many cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
She will be laid to rest in All Souls Cemetery.
Mario, Gian and their families would like to extend a special thank you to Florence's loving caregivers, whom she called her angels. We are grateful for the hospice care that she received, especially her hospice nurse, who came to see her weekly for many months, whom she loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Teresa of Calcutta, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, OH 44483 or the Summer Enrichment Program for Handicapped Children of Trumbull County, 2202 Niles Cortland Road, Cortland, OH 44410.
Visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to send condolences to the family.
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