Florence N. deCaris

CORTLAND - Florence Natalina de Caris, 96, passed away peacefully at home with her family and her caregiver by her side on September 2, 2026.

Florence was born on December 25, 1929, in Masontown, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Adrian and Iole (DeMedicis) Belmaggio. She returned to Collelongo, Italy and spent the majority of her childhood there before returning to Warren, Ohio after WWII ended.

Florence earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and French from Kent State University in 1954. She went on to a remarkable career in education, retiring from Sts. Peter and Paul School after 48 years where she taught in most of the grade levels as well as teaching Italian, Spanish and French. She left a long lasting impact on the students that she taught, encouraged and loved. She also spent many years working as a docent at the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, reflecting a lasting appreciation for the arts and for the cultural life of her community.

Her interests and commitments extended well beyond her professional life. Florence enjoyed her regular get-togethers with her cousins and friends. She loved knitting items for her family and many different organizations. She was a member of the Butler Institute American Art, AAUW, the P.E.O. Education Organization, Delta Kappa Gamma International, the Warren Civic Music Association, and the Youngstown Symphony Pops. She enjoyed being a member of her garden and book reading clubs. Her participation in these organizations further complimented her lifelong love of languages, education, and the arts. She was also active in Bocce and Cornhole leagues for many years with her brother Tullio and sister-in-law Christine Belmaggio.

On July 27, 1955, she married Vittorino “Victor” de Caris in the de Caris and Belmaggio hometown of Collelongo, Italy. He preceded her in death on January 27, 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Rodolfo Belmaggio.Florence is survived by her family, who were central to her life and whose love surrounded her to the end. She leaves her sons, Mario D. de Caris of Cortland and Gian M. (Kathleen Keough) de Caris of Westlake; her granddaughters, Maria, Nina, and Adriana de Caris; her brother Tullio and sister-in-law Christine Belmaggio of Warren and Nieces Tina Belmaggio Rodes (Charles deceased), Anita Belmaggio Melaragno (James), Sherri Belmaggio (deceased), and Monica Belmaggio Groves (James) as well as many cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on October 9, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Rd NE, Warren, Ohio 44483. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery. 

Mario, Gian and their families would like to extend a special thank you to Florence's loving caregivers whom she called her Angels. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Theresa of Calcutta, 3020 Reeves Rd. NE Warren, OH 44483 or the Summer Enrichment Program for Handicapped Children of Trumbull County, 2202 Niles Cortland Rd. Cortland, OH 44410.

Visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to send condolences to the family.