Joseph Cerino Sr.

Joe was born in the New York City borough of the Bronx. During his teen years, he was enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps where he worked in camps in Utah and Nebraska. Joe always spoke fondly of his time in the CCC camps. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he returned to the Bronx and enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during World War II. Joe spent most of the War in the Pacific theater assigned to a Landing Ship, Tank (LST). While on this ship, he was involved in some of the fiercest battles of WWII, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Leyte Gulf.

After the War, he returned home and married Dolores Wanamaker on March 3rd, 1946. Joe went to work in the construction industry, working on several large projects in the New York City area. He later went to work for the New York City Transit Authority, retiring in 1985. In May of 1985, Joe and Dolores moved to Melbourne, Florida, residing in the Lakes of Melbourne community for many years. Joe was an active member of the Lakes of Melbourne Homeowner’s Association, including several terms as president of the association. Beginning in October 2016, he resided at Barkley Place in Fort Myers, Florida until his death at the Preserve in Fort Myers.

He is survived by his children Joseph Cerino, Jr. (Amy) and Dolores Mariani (Joe), son-in-law Edward Russo, grandchildren Edward Russo, Jennifer Rich (Russo), Joseph Mariani, Vincent Mariani, Jeanne-Marie Mariani, and Cassandra Wemhoff (Cerino), and six great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Dolores Cerino, and his beloved daughter Joann Russo.

The memorial service will be held on June 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Fountainhead Memorial Funeral Home, with interment at Fountainhead Memorial Park. The viewing/visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to the time of the service.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, Florida or to Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, 4676 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida 32935.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Cerino family.