2002 PAOLO P. LONGO AWARD RECIPIENT

Maria Leto Pasetti

MARIA LETO PASETTI

Maria Leto Pasetti was born and raised in West Tampa.  Her mother, Josephine Militello Leto, worked at the Santaella Cigar Factory and her father, Rosario Leto immigrated from Santo Stefano Quisquina, Sicily owned the Palmetto Diary on Highway 301.  The first part of her life was simple.  She was married and has two wonderful daughters, Francine Pasetti and Janine Pasetti Belveal.

With her children fully grown, Maria embarked on the journey of a lifetime when she moved to Athens, Greece during the 1970s.  This was a very turbulent time in Greece and political unrest made day to day living an adventure.  She eventually obtained a job with the U.S. Government, which enabled her to travel to numerous countries and gave her the opportunity to experience rich and vibrant cultures.  She later worked as an interpreter for a Greek lawyer, then on the cruise ship as a hostess for the Stella Solaris that eventually brought her back to Tampa.

Upon returning in 1979, Maria continued to share her experiences and her vitality through the art of dance.  She became a dancer with the St. Petersburg Mexican-American Dance Company and the Tampa Folk Festival Dancers.   Currently, she dances with the Cura Alba Flamenco Company and the Las Chicas de Oro (The Golden Girls). Maria is truly dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of cultural dances.

Maria credits her commitment to being a strong survivor.  This quality has given her the ability to tirelessly donate countless hours of volunteer work during the span of her lifetime.  At the Italian Club she has served as photographer, historian and the museum’s cultural curator.  Maria has also loaned to the various events her private collection of Italian and Sicilian costumes to display for a greater exposure of the arts in the community.  She has been recognized by several community organizations and has been the recipient of the “Amiga” award presented by the Hispanic Heritage, Inc. of Tampa. 

Maria’s passion and enthusiasm for art, history and different cultures has enabled her to be embraced by an entire community.

October 19, 2002

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