William M. Giallonardo

Our father, William Giallonardo, passed away on September 8, 2016, in Lecanto, Florida. We are bereft but comforted in the knowledge that he is at peace.Dad was the son of Dominick and Clara Giallonardo. Born May 8, 1931, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Dad was truly a child of the Depression. When he was small in the 1930’s, his mother would present him with a piece candy every day from the candy factory where she worked in Little Italy. Since his father, Dominick, was unemployed during this period, Dad accompanied his father to the Labor Halls and free lunch sites. Dad fondly remembered being nested in his father’s jacket for warmth. This very ethnic community modeled the father we knew.Dad received his sacraments at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In 1949 he graduated from Jefferson High School. After joining the Air Force, Dad learned his trade of repairing X-Ray and medical equipment which he parlayed into his own businesses after his discharge.A Renaissance man our father was interested in everything from current events to literature. A voracious reader he always had a paperback close by: spy thrillers were a favorite.Dad had the special gift of making each of us, children and grandchildren, feel unique and valuable: he shared his wisdom and guidance with all of us. From frying dough to impromptu fishing excursions, Dad was always ready to share his knowledge. He purposely forged a strong relationship with each grandchild which will leave a lasting impression and enriched their lives.

We all have our cherished memories: trips to the dump, cruises, Italian aromas in his kitchen, fishing, crabbing, watching sports, cutting watermelons, exploring the streets of New York, watching old movies – so many warm memories.Dad loved music: particularly, Jimmy Durante and Luciano Pavarotti. He adored musicals: Music Man was his favorite.He was a philosopher, an engineer (he could repair anything), a geographer, an adventurer and an eternal student of life.

In 2000 Dad said good-bye to Upstate New York (Albany) and relocated to Citrus Springs, Florida. He became a true Floridian knowledgeable in plants, fishes, bugs, Gopher Tortoises and hurricanes.William was a multifaceted clever man who found the American Dream after years of work. From the hard scrapple streets of Elizabeth, New Jersey, to retirement in bucolic Citrus County, Dad lived a life of family, laughter and love.Thank you, Dad.William is survived by his wife, Claudia Parker; 3 daughters-- Ellen, Irene and Kathryn, 1 son-- Bill; a brother-- Joseph; 7 grandchildren-- Dan, Alex, Andrew, Anthony, David, Gina, Matthew; 1 great –grandchild--Nina and his dear cousin, Anne Cicero.He was predeceased by his former wives: Mildred Curry (our mother) and Mary Anne Wood.Donations in his honor may be made to the Hospice of Citrus County and the Nature Coast at: PO Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464. Arrangements entrusted to Fero Funeral Home, Beverly Hills, Florida.

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