**Eulogy for Sallyann DeCarlo**

Today we gather — not just in sorrow, but in deep, grateful remembrance of a life that mattered, a heart that loved fully, and a spirit that lifted others. Sallyann DeCarlo was born on May 11, 1954 in South Philadelphia and on September 18, 2025, she passed peacefully after battling cancer — leaving behind a legacy of warmth, joy, and unconditional love.

To say Sallyann was beloved would be an understatement. She was a devoted wife and best friend to me — Ronnie — and the center of our shared world for 39 years of partnership and 24 years of marriage. Every day with her was filled with laughter, energy, and a deep connection that most people only hope to find once in a lifetime. ([Ever Loved][1])

Sallyann had a spirit that radiated joy. Whether she was welcoming someone with her infectious smile, serving at the casino tables in Atlantic City where she spent many years as a dealer, or simply lighting up a room with her presence, she lived with a vibrancy that was unmistakable. People didn’t just know Sallyann — they *felt* her.

Her faith was real and visible — a steady compass that guided her kindness, her care for others, and her unwavering support for family and friends. Sallyann lived her faith out loud — through compassion, generosity, and an open heart.

For those who knew her, Sallyann’s love was not abstract — it was palpable. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, and gave generously. She found joy in simple things: a family meal, a day at *Walt Disney World*, a story to share, a moment to make someone else smile. From homemade Italian dinners to shared laughter with loved ones, her life was rich with the moments that truly matter.

To her nieces Florence, Carla, and Mia — she was not just family, but a mentor, a friend, a guiding light. To her broader community, she was a source of comfort, connection, and joy. Her spirit was one that didn’t just touch lives — it changed them.

Sallyann’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled — but her legacy of love, warmth, laughter, and deep connection will live on in all of us who were blessed to be part of her life.

As we celebrate her life today, let us remember her not for the pain of loss, but for the gift of her presence — a presence that made us better, kinder, and fuller simply by knowing her.

Thank you, Sallyann — for your love, your joy, your spirit, and the many ways you made this world brighter. We are forever grateful.

One of my most favorite memories is when Sal and I would get done work and go to her place to unwind, eat, drink, and she'd read me with her tarot cards.  I just started dating someone and I hadn't told her yet.  One night, she read my cards and became upset to see that there was someone new in my life but begged me to drop them immediately.  She said this person was surrounded with drugs and was very passionate about her concern for me so she read me again.  I chuckled not wanting to let her in on my little secret just yet.  I shuffled the cards and,. again, the drugs came up.  I confirmed that I was seeing someone new but that he was a good guy and that she need not worry.  Not satisfied, she read me AGAIN.  Same outcome.  At this point, she made me promise her that I wouldn't see him again.  She was so upset that I finally had to let her in on why this new man kept coming up with drugs all aound him.  When I confessed he was a pharmacist, we laughed till it hurt.

Gosh, how I miss those times and feel so blessed to have had your friendship, love, and to have known your beautiful and ever vivacious spirit.