Carol Ann, 73, formerly of Dunmore/Scranton/Clarks Summit, PA and Trinity, Florida, passed away on August 16th in a tragic car accident. Born at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Major General John & Rita Remetta.
Carolyn was a student and captain of her cheerleading team at Cathedral High School in Scranton, PA before attending Lackawanna County Business School in Scranton, PA. Since Carolyn vowed to never shovel snow again, the family moved to New Port Richey, FL in 1985 for warmer weather. Florida suited her- it’s where she found her signature style of fresh acrylic nails, a sun kissed tan, and hair so high she was closer to God. She had a successful 35 year career in banking, starting at Barnett Bank in Palm Harbor, FL. She would arrive dressed to the nines with her designer handbags and 4 inch stiletto heels. During her lunch hour she would eat half a sandwich and cottage cheese everyday while emptying her pocket book. Her purse had an unconventional filing system of tissues and notes dating back to 1998, usually weighing in around the size of a small child. She never left the house without her water jug, an avid believer it was her secret weapon to her youthful skin. She formed long time friendships with her colleagues at the bank while also raising her four children, later retiring as Head Teller for Regions Bank.
She loved to travel- whether it was a trip to Italy or a weekend beach getaway, she always had a candle packed with an obscene amount of “snackie stuff” for the hotel room, and a lifetime supply of lip gloss. She never forgot her souvenirs- she became a collector over the years of her travel finds and Mackenzie Childs. Carol loved her knick knacks- she made sure to leave no counter space or wall untouched with her chackies. She was exceptional at entertaining and hosting memorable get togethers with her friends and family, she made every birthday and holiday special. Christmas was her favorite time of the year- the house would be beautifully decorated with holiday lights and music, specifically Michael Buble, filling the air. Carol had a talent to bring people together, there was a natural warmth that radiated from within her. She was the life of the party and someone you wanted to be friends with.
Carol loved to garden, not afraid to break a nail or two in the backyard. Dancing and singing was her creative outlet, famously known for her signature move of dancing with her pointer fingers. She could get everyone up on the dance floor. She would tell you about her days singing in the school choir as a teen, and how her voice resembled Karen Carpenter. She was great.
She could eat seafood everyday, and would check to see if the restaurant had scallops on the menu with a good ceasar salad- a dirty Grey Goose martini was saved for special occasions. Carolyn was especially close to her children and grandchildren, always attending their sporting events on the weekends and never missed a birthday. She would always pick up her youngest daughter from the airport with flowers and a balloon. She was also known to wear elf slippers in the airport during Christmas time. You could usually find her lounging on her lanai with a glass of wine (merlot with two ice cubes) and a good Danielle Steel book. Her Sundays were sacred for two reasons: Church and football. Go Bucs!
Carol is remembered as a loving wife, mother, Gigi, sister and friend. She was a faithful and active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Tarpon Springs, where she enjoyed volunteering her time to the community and participated in girls luncheons supporting PACK A SACK charity for local kids meals. She loved kids and was great with them. She moved to Heritage Lakes Senior Community where she enjoyed events with her husband at the community clubhouse. She picked up a new hobby in bowling, quickly going from gutter balls to becoming the Vice President of the Heritage Lakes Bowling League.
Most will fondly remember Carol for her smile, contagious laugh, and so much jewelry it looked like she robbed a bank. She had a great sense of humor, even when she didn’t mean to. Everything came from her heart- she was a thoughtful and caring person, her potato salad wasn’t bad either. She loved living and she loved life. She was loved by everyone, and will be missed dearly.
She is survived by her husband James Nealon and her children: Kristin Vencevich (Rob), Ryan Flynn (Nicole), Tara Miller (Ryan), and Alycia Long (Rien). Her grandchildren: Jenna, 19, Evan, 15, Reese, 9, Cade 3, and Errow, 18 months. She holds a special relationship with her older sister, Rita Carmony (Dr. James W) of Cayuta, NY. Niece Steffanie Trumino (Michael), nephew William F Tague Jr. (Serafina), her aunt Marion Durdach (William Durdach Jr.), Lynn Marcante (Dan), and cousin Richard Remetta (Ginny).
In lieu of flowers, we ask to carry Carolyn’s legacy by donating to All Saints Episcopal Church PACK a SACK charity for local kids https://charity.pledgeit.org/PackthePark
Calling hours
Friday, September 6th, 2024
Dobies Funeral Home Seven Springs 5-7pm
8825 Old County Road 54 New Port Richey, FL 34653
Memorial
Saturday, September 7th, 2024
All Saints Episcopal Church Tarpon Springs 1pm
1700 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs FL 34688
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Seven Springs Chapel
All Saints Episcopal Church
Melissa Litardo
September 1, 2024, 5:42 pm
Carol was such a special person and I am truly thankful to have had her in my life, especially during my high school years. Ali and I met in high school and we quickly became best friends. Carol embraced me with open arms and welcomed me into her home. She always gave a big warm hug and she loved to entertain. She was an amazing woman and someone I looked up to. I will miss you very much, Carol. The boys and I love you! ❤️
MARILYN H VENCEVICH
September 1, 2024, 7:24 pm
What a beautiful memorial written by the family. You truly captured Carol’s love of life and family.
Sending love, thoughts and prayers to all of you during this tough time. May you find comfort in the special moments you shared together. Carol’s presence will always be felt and her love will continue to surround you.
Thinking of all of you and wishing you peace and comfort as we remember Carol.
Karen Bracalento
September 2, 2024, 1:55 pm
I met Carol when we became Regions bank and I moved to the CR1 office. She was always “best dressed”. We were friends for many years, but sadly we lost contact somewhere along the way. I tried to reach out on Facebook in the past few months, but again sadly did not. I remember her home in Palm Harbor, she always had it decorated so beautifully and always had a full glass of wine. We did a girls weekend many years ago on St Pete Beach and Carol drove us around in her car, of course valet parked. She was the life of the party, always told you exactly what she thought. I remembered we would all go to Connie’s house and read Tarat cards and Carol always could find something in your life that made the card reading true, we had a blast.! She was a wonderful person and she will be missed by family and friends. My heart is full with memories of her, but sad she has left us. God bless.
Rita Carmoy
September 2, 2024, 4:17 pm
Personal Thoughts about my sister, Carolyn
So many occurrences since we were little kids growing up together in Dunmore, PA. We shared everything… and as a little girl she called me “EE”… as she could not say “Rita Mary”. Since we were four years apart in age, I was always telling her what she should do and what she better not do. Our first big bedroom in our family’s new home was on Ward St in Dunmore, PA. We shared a large bedroom with a single full bed. Every night I’d draw an imaginary line from the pillows to the end of the mattress. And I’d tell her “Do not cross this line.” I’d wake up at times during the night because she was hugging me or trying to strangle me!! Then she’d wake up herself in the morning and run to Mom: “EE didn’t share the bed with me last night,” Mom would say: Then you better wake your sister up and tell her when it happens!” SOOO we struggled with the same thing every night for a few years. I gave up but I kept drawing the imaginary line on the mattress.”
When we were a little older our family moved into a beautiful new split-level home, and we finally got our OWN bedrooms. Funny, she was in my room more than her own… I’d laugh and tell her “You really must miss me yelling at you all our lives together.” So many stories with more happy ones than sad ones.
As we grew older, married and had children, we shared nearly most everything that was going on in our lives. We talked regularly on the phone and after cell phones entered or worlds we text nearly every day. If we missed a day, we’d text ” Where you… What’s going on?” ” I haven’t heard from you today.”
We shared many issues about our families: the good things and the not so good things. The growing up of our kids, their schools, their jobs, their weddings and their babies. And on many occasions, we helped each other through perplexing personal problems. In the last 8-10 years, we also went on our timeshare vacations yearly with our husbands. Always having a wonderful time together…. We really got along very well being two opinionated women with unique husbands! On occasion, if we did have a disagreement, we always worked it out. I truly can’t believe she won’t be texting me anymore… or be with us on vacation.
I have to believe that God has other plans for us… especially for her.
And so little sister, I love you and I will love you forever. Keep watch over us.
Love, “EE”
Jessie Barnett
September 4, 2024, 1:21 am
We will keep your family in our prayers. I remember Carol fondly at the kids sporting events, encouraging and supportive. I hope you know that she will always be with you in memory and watching over you all until you meet again. Losing a mom and grandma is always difficult. Be strong and know she will always be watching!
Tamara Rodriguez
September 4, 2024, 5:29 pm
My dear friend Carol, so many memories from our friendship at Barnett Bank in Hudson, being my maid of honor, hanging out joking as much as possible. All the memories just come floating in my heart and my brain. My heart is very broken and I’m truly going to miss you here because the world was a better place with you my sweet friend. You’ll never be forgotten loved by so many. I love you Carol until we meet again.
Tamara Rodriguez
September 4, 2024, 5:43 pm
Sending Prayers, love and peace to the family.
Diane Jablonski
September 10, 2024, 10:47 am
Praying for the brightest light perpetual to shine on Carol’s beautiful soul. May every treasured memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
Diane Augustine Jablonski, Cathedral High class of 1968