Sebastian Thomas Volpe

LAKELAND, FL - Sebastian Thomas “Seb” Volpe, 76, of Lakeland, passed away Monday, October 15 with his family by his side at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, FL. He was born September 25, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Thomas and Phyllis (Sulitzky) Volpe. He spent most of his life as a resident of Middletown, NY, where he worked as a chef at an Italian restaurant for 25 years. He later moved to Lakeland, FL to be closer to his parents and siblings. Seb was a very generous and giving person, and was known for having a big heart. His love for animals was second only to his love for his family. Sebastian enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling as often as possible to North Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania to visit his children and sister. He loved to cook delicious meals for loved ones; enjoyed music of all kinds, from country to rock and roll to opera; and found enormous pleasure in the small things of life. He had a natural tendency to think well of people and was a very loyal and giving friend to many. He is survived by his ex-wife, Betty (Shipman) Volpe of Otisville, NY.; his siblings, Thomas J. Volpe and wife Dorothy (Buchalter) Volpe of Lakeland, FL, and Maria Volpe Hull and husband, Stephen P Hull of Evergreen, Colorado and Southampton, PA.; his sons, Sebastian Volpe Jr. of Otisville, NY, Robert Volpe of Fort Madison, IA, Mario Volpe and wife Lisa (Davis) Volpe of Mooresville, N.C., and Chad Volpe and wife Heidi (Kowalewski) Volpe of Middletown, NY,; his grandchildren, Bret Volpe, Kayla Volpe, Taryn Volpe, Morgan Volpe, Jenna Volpe, Mario Volpe Jr., Jeremy Volpe, and Paige Volpe. He is also survived by his cat, Felix, who now resides with Seb’s brother, Tom, where he currently directs the lives of two dogs. Seb is greatly missed by all who loved him. For those who wish to do so, donations may be made in Seb’s name to SPCA Florida, 5850 Brannen Road S, Lakeland, FL 33813.