For most, fulfilling a loved one’s final wish involves a cherished keepsake or a special family ritual. But for YouTube creator Rosanna Pansino, honoring her late father’s request meant going down a decidedly unconventional path. On the debut episode of her podcast, Rodiculous, Pansino shared how her father, lovingly called “Papa Pizza,” asked for something unusual: to have his ashes used to grow a marijuana plant and, eventually, smoke it.
This heartfelt and humorous tribute not only reflects Papa Pizza’s bold personality but also illustrates the unique ways families navigate grief and honor the legacies of those they’ve lost.
A Dying Wish Rooted in His Personality
Pansino’s father, who passed away in 2019 after a six-year battle with leukemia, shared his unconventional wish with the family before his death. “He told me and my mom that he wanted us to take his ashes, mix them with soil, grow a marijuana plant, and smoke it,” Pansino revealed during the podcast.
Understandably, the request raised some eyebrows, particularly with her mother. “At first, my mom was hesitant. She thought it was a little too hippie and worried about what people might say,” Pansino admitted. However, over time, the family came to see the beauty in honoring his unique personality and sense of humor through this special act.
A Special Family Moment
Together, Pansino and her mother planted the marijuana seeds in soil mixed with her father’s ashes. Describing the experience as emotional and healing, she reflected on how the act helped her family feel closer to her father. “It was very special, and I’m glad we were able to share that moment of honoring Dad together,” she said.
Once the plants were harvested, Pansino prepared to fulfill her father’s final wish. Displaying her signature creativity, she had the marijuana rolled into pink joints and presented them in a decorative case. She laughed as she imagined her father’s reaction, saying, “If Papa Pizza could see this, he would just get a huge kick out of it.”
In the podcast episode, she smoked the marijuana on camera, while her mother and sister joined in off-camera. Though unconventional, the act brought a sense of joy and connection to a man whose larger-than-life personality continues to inspire his family.
Rosanna Pansino, Instagram
Grieving a Best Friend
Throughout the episode, Pansino opened up about the profound grief she felt after losing her father, describing him as not just her dad but one of her closest friends. “Losing him was just different. It felt like a part of me died with him,” she admitted.
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Though years have passed since his death, Pansino shared how grief continues to be a part of her life. “I thought the sadness would fade, but grief is always there—it feels like it’s permanently attached to me,” she said.
Her father’s legacy remains an integral part of her life. She described him as a “kind, rebellious, and fearless” man who taught her values she carries to this day: to respect life, stand up for herself, and never let her small stature stop her from making a big impact.
Cherished Memories
Before his passing, innovative cancer treatments extended Papa Pizza’s life by six years, giving the family precious time together. Pansino reflected on those years with gratitude, recalling milestone moments like her father walking her sister down the aisle, celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary, and becoming a grandfather for the first time.
The memories they created during that time are treasures Pansino continues to hold close. Her father’s presence in her YouTube journey also left a lasting impression on fans, who embraced his warmth, humor, and the special bond he shared with his daughter.
Honoring His Legacy
For Rosanna Pansino, fulfilling her father’s final wish wasn’t just about humor or rebellion—it was about connection, healing, and love. By embracing his unique personality in such a bold way, she has kept his memory alive in a manner that feels deeply personal and true to who he was.
“My dad was a badass, and I’ll proudly follow in his footsteps,” she said.
This heartfelt tribute reminds us that grief takes many forms, and honoring a loved one’s legacy can sometimes be as unconventional as the lives they lived. Pansino’s story is not only a celebration of her father’s life, but also an invitation for others to find their own meaningful ways to cherish and remember those they’ve lost.
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