By Robbyn Mitchell, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 24, 2010
TAMPA — Funeral services for Robinson High School's cheerleading coach will be held in her hometown in upstate New York, family members said Friday.
Ms. Tina Maiorana, 34, was found dead in her South Tampa home Thursday after she failed to show up to chaperone a student government field trip.
Tampa police said they found no signs of foul play. Ms. Maiorana had been diagnosed with a heart condition, cardiac sinus arrhythmia, as a child and lost her father to a sudden heart attack six years ago, said Leticia Maiorana, the coach's sister-in-law.
"It was a huge shock," Leticia Maiorana said. "She never had any health problems before because of her condition."
Family members expect the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner to release Ms. Maiorana Friday for transport to Ravena, N.Y.
Robinson High students plan to memorialize the coach, tutor, mentor and business education teacher at Friday night's football game and pep rally.
She is also survived by her mother, Maryann, a brother, a niece and a nephew.