Gianna Garofalo
by: Dwayne PageMay 19, 2025
Gianna Garofalo was born in Libya, North Africa during the Italian colonization preceding WWII where her father Michele Paoletti was stationed with her mother Laura Farcomeni. The family returned to Rome where she grew up with her three sisters Bianca Rosa Paoletti, Maria Sveva Passantino and Carla Pia Longobardi.
Gianna recieved her Doctorate in Philosophy from the University Sapienza of Rome in 1961. She soon after would marry Albert M. Garofalo an Italian American narcotics FBI agent stationed abroad in a double wedding with her sister Bianca Rosa and John Owens, also stationed abroad for the US government at the time.
After giving birth to her son Nicholas, the family moved to the United States, settling in Summit, NJ, where she pursued a degree in Clinical Pathology and spent many years working at Overlook Hospital and various clinics. She and her husband, Albert, eventually moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where he would pass away in 1991. In 1999, she married John Joseph “Cal” Colacurcio who passed in 2001. She moved to Italy for a few years to live with her son Nicholas, before returning to Florida where she kept close ties to her niece and nephew in Smithville, TN, helping at times to raise her great-niece Maria Little, and where she came to permanently reside as her own care needs increased.
She spent the last few months of her life in the wonderful care of NHC in Smithville. We only have kinds words and sincere appreciation for the facility and all of the incredible staff there.
Gianna will be lovingly remembered as being very social, warm, and generous with everyone (unless you got on her bad side, lol). She loved any party, dances, and theatrical arts, and especially children.
Gianna is preceded in death by her mother Laura Farcomeni, her father Barone Michele Paoletti di Sersale, husband Albert M. Garofalo, her second husband John Joseph “Cal” Colacurcio, sisters Maria Sveva Passantino and Bianca Rosa Owens, nephew Fabrizio Passantino and niece Antonella Passantino.
She leaves behind her son Nicholas and Kimberly Avagliano (both of NJ), niece Gianna Owens and nephew John Owens (both Dowelltown, TN), niece and nephew Milly Longobardi and Giancarlo Longobardi (both Rome, Italy), great-nieces Sarah Goodman (Liberty, TN) and Maria Little (Cookeville, TN), and great-nephew Michael Hay (NY), and her close adopted family of many years, the Chieras.
A memorial for Gianna will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or the Tennessee Technological School of Music are kindly appreciated.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements
American Cancer society: American Cancer Society
Tennesse Tech University School of Music mailing address:
Tennessee Tech University
School of Music
Campus Box 5045
Cookeville, TN 38505
Nancy Linda Ball
by: Dwayne PageMay 19, 2025
Nancy Linda Ball, age 79 of Smithville, TN passed away Sunday night, May 18, 2025 at the Webb House. She was born September 28, 1945 in Paris, TN to her late parents, Dorris and Luna Ray Wade. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Johnny Ball; 3 sisters, Janice Cox, Joyce Laster and Beth Schleiss; niece, Lisa McNair.
She is survived by 2 sisters, Debbie (Jim) Reeder and Jo Ann George both of Smithville; nephew, Dale (Pam) Ball of Smithville; sisters-in-law, Wilma Harrell of Woodbury and Marlene Ball of Cleveland, TN; nephew, Ricky Ball of Woodbury, Jackie Elliott of McMinnville and many more nieces and nephews.
Linda was a retired factory worker. She worked at the Smithville Shirt Factory from 1972 until it closed in the 1990’s. She then worked at Moog Automotive Manufacturing in Smithville until retirement. She was a member of the Smithville First Freewill Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and was a good Christian lady.
The family would like to thank all the ladies at the Webb House, Phoenix wing for taking care of Linda. Also, a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for all the care and attention you gave to Linda while she was at the Webb House. Lastly, many thanks to special friends, Rebecca Petty and Cris Mangin.
Per Linda’s request, there will be no visitation, a public graveside service and interment will be held 1 PM Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Gunter-Grizzle Cemetery with Bro. Bernard Houk officiating.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Ball family.
Tammy Yvonne Armentrout
by: Dwayne PageMay 19, 2025
Tammy Yvonne Armentrout age 50 of Dowelltown passed away Friday night May 16, 2025, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital, ER. She was born July 4, 1974, to her mother, Yolonda Hamley and her late father, Donald Hamley. Ms. Armentrout was a Homemaker. She is survived by husband, Scott “Meatball” Armentrout of Dowelltown; 3 children, Patrick Hamley of Nashville, Lauren (Shelby) Largent of Clarksville, and Joshua Armentrout of Murfreesboro; mother, Yolonda Hamley of Chapel Hill; brother, Trey (Stephanie) Hamley of Huntsville, AL. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3 PM Thursday May 22, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Garnett Bandy officiating and internment will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday 11:AM until the time of the service at 3 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Armentrout family.