Giovanni (John) Carollo Sr, 86 , of Leesburg, FL, passed away on January 14th at Harbor Chase of Wildwood. John was born on June 26, 1936 to Giacomo and Francesca (Polizzano) Carollo on Staten Island, NY. At the age of 17, John enlisted and served in the Air Force focused on ATC. He met the love of his life, Rita Arruda and was married on January 17, 1957.
After leaving the Air Force, John began his career as an Air Traffic Controller in Danville, VA then moving his career to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT. John and Rita went on to have 4 children and raised the family in Enfield, CT for 40+ years.
In retirement, John and Rita moved to Leesburg, FL in 2001. Over the years they loved to travel together. In earlier years, John enjoyed singing to Frank Sinatra songs, loved flying model planes, love fishing horses and always enjoyed watching a Classic movie (as there is “nothing like an old movie”). Also, John has been known to call any animal, cat, dog or horse Twinksie!
John was predeceased by his wife, Rita, his parents and his sister Rosalie. He is survived by his children John Carollo Jr (wife Cheryl) of Melbourne, FL, Joseph Carollo of South Glastonbury, CT, Jamie Carollo (wife Patricia) of Lehigh Acres, FL and Frances Carollo Bizier (husband Steve) of Summerville, SC. He is also survived by a sister Jodi Garda of Staten Island, NY, and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren (Stephanie Gilbert, Kelly Carollo, Jennifer Carollo, Cassie Carollo, Thomas G Lang and Marissa Lang), 4 Step-grandchildren (Jason Amato, Stephen Amato, Brandon Bizier and Rebecca Bizier), 1 great grandchild (Lacie Mae Baker) and 2 Step-great-grandchildren (Alex and Emily Gilbert)
Services will be held next week at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation.