SHIRLEY A. PROLIZO

SHIRLEY A. PROLIZO (née Reaves), 78, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Carmelo Anthony “Carl” Prolizo; loving mother of Michelle Lance (Eric) and Frank Prolizo (Jodi); proud Mema of Ashley Lucius (Cody), Tyler Lance, Isabella Prolizo, Joseph Lance, Rocco Prolizo (fiancée Grace Pfaffenbichler), and Salvatore Prolizo; and Gigi of Braxton, Braylon, and Joseph Jr. She was the daughter of the late Gloria (née Lucas) and Ivan Reaves, sister of the late Barbara Sabini, and a dear aunt and friend to many.

A Jersey girl through and through, Shirley met the love of her life, Carl, when she was just 15 years old. High school sweethearts, they built a life full of love, moving from New Jersey to Cleveland, where they established their home and raised their family.

Fiercely independent and always a tough cookie, Shirley fought and beat breast cancer and congestive heart failure for more than 20 years.

Never one to sit still, Shirley loved working at Dairy Queen as a young mom, a job that gave her summers off to spend with her children. Later, with her children grown Shirley worked in the Insurance industry for many years. After retirement, she continued volunteering at St. John Medical Center, a role she took very seriously while making many friends along the way. Shirley was as an active member of the community and a familiar face at community concerts, festivals, and events at Crocker Park.

Although Cleveland became her home, Shirley returned to the Jersey Shore any chance she had. She loved sitting in the sun. She kept lifelong friendships close, remaining a dear friend to many until the end. Everyone knew her love of wearing bright colors, animal prints, and anything Cleveland sports. She was a bit of a neat freak and liked everything just so.

Above all, Shirley remained devoted to Carl and the family they built together. After his passing in 1992, no one could ever take his place in her heart. Her family finds comfort in knowing they are together again in heaven and that she is finally at peace.

Friends may call at Chambers Funeral Home of North Olmsted, 29150 Lorain Road at Stearns Road, on Thursday, October 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 23, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Julie Billiart Church, 5500 Lear Nagle Road. Please meet at the church.

For those who feel called, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to UH St. John Medical Center–Volunteer Services in memory of Shirley Prolizo.