Rocco Dominik Giordano

Rocco D. Giordano, 96, of Tallahassee, passed away April 6, 2017 at his residence. Rocco was born in Caltanissetta, Sicily. His family migrated to America when he was 4 months old. He grew up in the Little Italy area of Jersey City, New Jersey. He was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in Miami Beach. There he served the medical units treating wounded soldiers. He was assigned warehouse duty and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. While in Miami he met his future wife Ann Elizabeth Cutler who had come with the USO. After a whirl wind romance they married one month later on March 16, 1945. They returned to Jersey City after the war and had two sons. They returned to Miami 1953 for a better climate for Ann’s emphysema. While raising their family in Miami, Rocco worked at several jobs: General Manager of Tasco Sales, Vice President of Edison Press and Owner and CEO of Central Delivery Service. Rocco became a Mason in 1957. He served a Worshipful Master of Pioneer Lodge in 1963. In 1971 he was recognized as a 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite. In 1971 he was admitted as a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in the Mahi Temple of Miami Florida. He continued in his Masonic activities throughout the remainder of his life. In 2000 Rocco and Ann relocated to Tallahassee. Ann’s health was not well. In 2003 she passed. Rocco decided to use his health and time to volunteer at Gilchrist School. He continued to volunteer 4 days a week. Wednesday’s he met buddies to eat breakfast and talk at Jim and Milt’s. When Montford Middle School opened, several of the Gilchrest staff transferred and Rocco added Montford to his volunteer schedule serving each school 2 days a week. In 2010 he was recognized as Senior Volunteer of the year at Monford Middle School and Gilchrist Elementary School. He was also recognized in 2010 by the Leon County School Board as Senior Volunteer of the Year. In 2015 he was recognized by the Florida Cabinet for receiving Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award “For strengthening our state with significant and meaningful service.” On April 6, 2017 after a brief illness he joined his beloved wife Ann. “I believe that everyone has the power to make a difference, and has something to give back.” Rocco Giordano He is survived by his two sons and their spouses, 3 grand children and 5 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at Bevis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in Rocco’s name to the Shriners Children Hospital or the Leon County Schools Foundation. Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com ) is assisting the Giordano family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Rocco Dominik Giordano

June 22, 1920 - April 6, 2017