Petrina Sparacino

Petrina Sparacino, 93, of West Palm Beach, FL passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Frank and Giovanna Dentici on December 10, 1931.

Being the first born to Sicilian immigrants, Petrina accepted great responsibilities from a young age. She would write out checks for her father to sign and later helped in the family’s grocery business. She attended Bellefield School and became a skilled seamstress.

Petrina devoted her life to her soulmate, Anthony Sparacino, and together they created a family she deeply adored. She loved to cook and bake, and everyone looked forward to her delicious dinners. Many will miss the Christmas cookies she lovingly shared each year. Petrina had a way of making everyone feel special.

In later years, she became a volunteer for Help Hotline, offering her kindness and compassion to others. She had an insatiable love of reading and learning and enjoyed completing The New York Times crossword puzzles. Her greatest joy, however, came from being a devoted wife, mother, and “Nana.”

She taught many life lessons that her family continues to cherish—her favorite being, “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.”

Petrina will be missed endlessly by her children, Marie (Sam) Morocco of Poland, OH, and Frank (Tammy) Sparacino of Brackney, PA; her sister, Josephine Dentici of Pittsburgh, PA; her grandchildren, Justin (Kellie) Morocco of Columbus, OH, Petrina (Joe) Antonucci and Genna (Adam) Bernard, both of Poland, OH, and Melissa Sparacino of Salinas, CA; and her great-grandchildren, Kate, Joe, Cecilia, Francesca, Sloane, Anthony, Stella, and Tatum. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law Evelyn Leonard and Joanne Palmiere, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Tony Sparacino, the love of her life; two sons, Thomas and Anthony; her parents; brothers Gaetano and Joseph Dentici; and sister Catherine Kurtz.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Briarfield Place and Sanctuary Hospice for their compassion and care during Petrina’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to Petrina’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Friends and family may call on Saturday, November 15th at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown, OH prior to the 12 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life.

Professional arrangements are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.