Kathleen Dolores Civitella

Kathleen Dolores Civitella

July 23, 1945 – October 2, 2026

Kathleen Dolores Civitella, 81, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, family, friendship, and cherished memories.

Kathleen was born on July 23, 1945, in Jamaica, Queens, New York. She graduated from West Hempstead High School on Long Island in 1963. She went on to earn her Associate Degree from Nassau Community College and her Master’s Degree in Education from Hofstra University.

On June 24, 1967, Kathleen married her high school sweetheart, John Civitella. Together, they built a beautiful life and moved to Florida in 1977, where they made their home and raised their family.

Kathleen devoted her life to education and nurturing young minds. She began her teaching career in New York and, while living there, established a childcare facility at Harlem Valley State Hospital in Wingdale, NY for staff and local residents to send their children to. This accomplishment reflected her passion for early childhood education and her commitment to providing children with a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. Her dedication to helping children learn and grow continued throughout her career when she moved to Florida and later taught at Deep Creek Elementary School in Charlotte County. Through her work as an educator and childcare provider, Kathleen touched countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness, compassion, and a love of learning.

Kathleen had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and treasured spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed fishing, sailing, playing tennis, camping, and playing Mahjongg with her friends. Some of her happiest moments were spent outdoors, surrounded by the people she loved, making memories that will be cherished for generations.

Above all, Kathleen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John Civitella; her son, Gary Civitella (Anya); her daughter, Janine Hall (Tito); and her beloved grandchildren: Zoe Civitella, Katelynn Gunter (Cole), Taylor Schmidt (Matt), and Cristian Hall (Torie). She was also a proud great-grandmother to Islay Mae Gunter & KinsLee Burns.

Kathleen is also survived by her brother-in-law, Thomas Civitella; siblings, Dennis Boege (Jackie); Ron Boege (Savannah) and Christine Gallichotte (Paul). She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Tim, Cindy, Greg, Stephanie, Ben, and Lianna, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Kathleen was a member of San Pedro Catholic Church in North Port, Florida, where her faith and church community were an important part of her life.

Kathleen will be remembered for her loving heart, adventurous spirit, dedication to education, and unwavering devotion to her family. From establishing a childcare program at Harlem Valley State Hospital in New York to teaching at Deep Creek Elementary School in Florida, she made a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Her warmth, kindness, and love will live on through her family, former students, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In leu of flowers, donations can be made to: Tidewell Hospice https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate/

or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

A private family service will be held at a later date.