Jean Del Vecchio

Biography

Dorothy Jean Del Vecchio "Jean", from Havana, Florida passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the age of 77.

Jean...as she is fondly remembered by family and friends, was not only an inspiration for others, but never missed an opportunity to live life to its fullest. As a student and athlete at Havana High School Jean was a member of the basketball and volleyball teams, a member of 4H, cheerleader, drum major of the band and even Homecoming Queen. Until recently, Jean was active in what was referred to as the "Old Girls Club", where she and her classmates from Havana renewed their friendships monthly as they met for lunch at one of their many favorite Tallahassee restaurants.

Following high school she attended Florida State University, where she remained active in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, the FSU Circus, and Gymkana. It was at FSU that she met the love of her life, John Del Vecchio and they were married 3 months later and their bond remained strong for life.

Jean was deeply faithful in God and the Episcopal Church...and as her faith grew, so did her outpouring of kindness for others, particularly for those less fortunate. She was always willing to lend a caring hand, offer a kind word, or gesture, and was quick to deliver a warm meal to those in need for Meals on Wheels, or welcome to a new member to her community through Welcome Wagon. Jean never met a stranger...

Jean began her career at the State Of Florida Secretary of State's Office and retired 30 years later with the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (DHRS). She enjoyed her many years with the State where she made many lasting friendships.

An avid movie watcher, Jean never missed the latest offerings on the big screen. But she took the greatest joy in the activities of her children and particularly her grandchildren, where she spent countless hours at the baseball diamond for her grandsons, and at dance recitals, and musicals for her granddaughters. Her bag was always packed, and when invited, always responded with, "I'm in! Let's go!" In addition she was active in Junior League and the LeMoyne Art Foundation

Jean was pre deceased by her loving husband of 58 years John Del Vecchio, infant son Michael Christopher Del Vecchio, and her parents George Henry and Mattie Louise (Bell) Barber.

She is survived by her children Gina Redding, of Jacksonville, Florida and Tony Del Vecchio (Angie), of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren Ali Denny (Mat) of Dallas, Texas, Matthew Redding, Jr. of Grapevine, Texas, Morgan Jean Redding, Jacksonville, Florida, Kyle Del Vecchio (Liz), Michael Reed Del Vecchio, and Ryan Del Vecchio, all of Tallahassee, Florida; and two great-grandchildren, Isaac Del Vecchio and Mat Denny, Jr.

Her sisters Linda Alexander (Ray), Ann Jones, and Kathy Sellers, all of Havana, Florida were the foundation of her life. They all played an important roll in Jean's later years for support, friendship, and the Friday night drive to Thomasville for Dinner. She loved them dearly and cherished their close relationship over the years.

A celebration and remembrance of Jean's life will be held on Monday, November 24, 2014, at Faith Funeral Home in Havana, Florida. The family will receive friends and relatives during visitation at 1pm, with funeral services immediately following at 2pm.

Visitation

Monday November 24, 2014, 1:00pm at Faith Funeral Home Chapel
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Funeral Service

Monday November 24, 2014, 2:00pm at Faith Funeral Home Chapel
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