REMEMBER SYLVIA

“I have fought the fine fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

A place to remember the love she gave, the family she built, and the hope that carried her through everything.

MOMENTS

Chapters of her life

Joy, family, faith, and the places that still hold her memory. These will become the chapters of her story.

Coming Soon

Faith

The strength and hope that guided her life.

PHOTO MEMORIES

Moments that will always remain

These photographs hold more than images — they hold laughter, presence, and the quiet moments that still live with us.

TIMELINE

A Journey Across Generations

From roots in Italy to the life and legacy Sylvia carried forward, this timeline follows the generations, moments, and memories that shaped her story.

Chapter 1

Roots in Italy

The earliest chapter begins in Ischia near Naples, where the Amalfitano and Ferrandino family lines were rooted long before the story crossed the ocean.

1860
Nicola Amalfitano is born in Italy.
1860
Sophia Ferrandino is born in Italy.
Origin
Their lives in Ischia form the foundation of the generations that followed.
Chapter 2

Journey to America

Frank Amalfitano left Naples and made the journey to America, beginning the family’s transition from Italy to New York.

1886
Frank Amalfitano is born in Naples, Italy.
1906
Frank’s immigration story begins, tied to the ship Città di Napoli.
1912
The family’s New York chapter is firmly underway.
Chapter 3

A New Life in New York

In Manhattan, the family built a life in America. Louisa stands at the center of this transition generation, carrying the family from old world roots into a new beginning.

1891
Louisa Amalfitano is born in Italy.
1910s–1920s
The family establishes itself in New York.
1930
The household is recorded living on 115th Street in Manhattan.
Chapter 4

A Life Touched by the Early Silver Screen

As a young girl in New York City, Sophia stepped into the world of early cinema during the golden age of silent film.

With a studio photograph taken at Village Studios in Manhattan’s theater district, she became part of the world surrounding Broadway and the nearby Astoria Studios in Queens.

Throughout her life, she shared with her family that she appeared in two films alongside Rudolph Valentino, one of the most iconic figures of early Hollywood.

Archival Detail

Village Studios stamp on the back of Sophia's photograph

Studio stamp from Village Studios in Manhattan’s theater district, connecting Sophia to the New York film world of the 1920s.

Chapter 5

Sergio’s Early Years

This chapter introduces Sergio before the family story fully joins together — a childhood and youth that came before marriage, fatherhood, and the life he would build with Sophia.

1927
Sergio Cormio is born.
Youth
His early years form the bridge into the next chapter of the family story.
Chapter 6

Sophia and Sergio

Together, Sophia and Sergio formed the family foundation that shaped Sylvia’s childhood and remained deeply important throughout her life.

Late 1940s
Sophia and Sergio’s story begins to take shape.
Around 1952
Their marriage anchors the next generation of the family.
Chapter 7

Sylvia Is Born

On June 13, 1949, Sylvia Cormio was born in New York City. Everything before this moment becomes the foundation of the woman, mother, and grandmother she would become.

June 13, 1949
Sylvia Cormio is born in New York City.
Chapter 8

A Young Life of Faith

As a young girl, Sylvia took part in the witnessing work and later dedicated her life through baptism. This was more than a moment — it became the center of her spiritual identity.

Early years
Sylvia takes part in the preaching work from a young age.
1966
Sylvia is baptized at 17 years old.
Chapter 9

Florida, Family, and Building a Life

After moving with her parents from New York to South Florida, Sylvia entered adulthood, married, and became a mother. These were the years when the family life most people knew her for began to take shape.

Late 1960s – early 1970s
Sylvia moves with her parents from New York to South Florida.
May 19, 1973
Sylvia marries Paul David Yawn.
1979 & 1981
Nicole and Brandon are born.
Chapter 10

Ocala and Legacy

The later years of Sylvia’s life held home, family, loss, resilience, grandmotherhood, and the lasting legacy she left behind. These are the chapters that remain closest in memory.

Late 1980s
The family moves into the newly built home on NE 51st Street in Ocala.
1997 – 2020
Palm Beach Gardens, later remarriage, and years of family life continue.
Jan 2018
Arianna Yawn is born in Loxahatchee, Florida, bringing a new generation into the family.
2018 – 2026
Sylvia becomes a grandmother for the first time, and her legacy continues through the family she loved.

TRIBUTE FILM

A Life Remembered

A cinematic tribute honoring her life, her memory, and the love she leaves behind.

TRIBUTES

Share a memory

If Sylvia’s life touched yours, you’re welcome to leave a memory, reflection, or message here. Tributes will be reviewed before appearing publicly.

Messages are reviewed before posting.