Marcello Petagine, 50, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2023, at his home.

When he left us, he joined our parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loved ones who preceded him. We're confident that he was greeted with open arms.

Marcello was born in Bronx, NY to Rosa & Pasquale Petagine on February 26, 1973. He went to Salesian High School & later graduated from The French Culinary Institute.
Marcello is survived by his brother Donato (Phyllis) & his sister, Rosa Angela Garippa (Michael), & six nieces & nephews, Roseanne Puleo (Anthony), Anthony, Nicholas, Angelina, Giancarlo & Giuliana, whom he treasured.

Marcello was a caring & loving son, brother, uncle & friend & he considered his close friends to be like brothers. He ended nearly every conversation with those he cared for with 'love you'. He loved to cook, spend time outdoors & visit local beaches, but he especially enjoyed dining out & trying different cuisines.
Marcello was a kindhearted spirit with a heart of gold; anyone from his childhood or adult life could confirm. Those who truly knew Marcello would agree that he would do anything for the people he loved. He loved with his whole heart.

We can't know the pain of his suffering, but we know the pain of our own as his family. With the loss of Marcello, come tears & the hard reality that life is messy. No family wants to watch someone they love struggle. The stigma that those who suffer from addiction are considered weak-willed & victims of their own undoing is simply not true. It can happen to anyone & addiction isn't a word that should forever define or encapsulate Marcello.

Though our hearts are heavy, & we mourn our loss, we choose to celebrate Marcello's freedom into the arms of God. Marcello is now at peace; his tormented spirit has now been released from his body. He will be deeply missed by all. We will always cherish the good memories & times that we spent together. RIP brother - If only our love could have saved you.