Donna Jean Carli, “Miss Dee” or “DJ”, 62, of Pinellas Park passed away on February 9, 2026 at home, comfortable in her favorite recliner. Born in Cincinnati and raised in St. Petersburg, she graduated from Dixie Hollins High School. She was preceded in death by her biological parents, Dorothy Roberts and James Kruse.

Donna is survived by her adopted parents, Lee and Jose Curbelo; her children, Theresa Pontieri, Paul Carli, and Matthew Kendall; siblings, Cindy Klein, Jimmy Kruse, Missy Greene, and Vickie Bejarano; grandchild, Finnegan Pontieri; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Donna was a faithful, fun-loving, and incredibly generous individual. She loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Bengals. Her kids remember her best for the time they spent with her on their little league baseball, softball, and football fields, and singing and dancing to Billy Joel, John Cougar, and Elvis. She always offered a helping hand to those in need, volunteered selflessly for her church, and loved running the bingo hall to raise money for her church’s school. She enjoyed feeding the ducks that came to see her every day, playing with her grandson and her great nieces and nephews, and decorating for the holidays…ANY holiday. Her huge smile and infectious laugh will be remembered by all who knew her.

Donna’s memorial service will be Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 4661 82nd Avenue N., Pinellas Park, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: https://gofund.me/636845523