Paul A. Gioia

Paul Anthony Gioia, 88 passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018 in Fort Pierce Florida. Paul was born on September 28, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the only son of Michael and Margaret Gioia. Paul served in the United States Marines during the Korean War, was Honorably discharged and moved to Miami, Florida in September 1952 joining the City of Miami Fire Department in Coconut Grove where he worked for 13 years.

Paul became a Building Inspector in Miami, obtained his General Contractor's License started Gioia and Attardi Construction which was not just a Construction Business, but a Partnership of two men whose bond of friendship was even stronger than the Business Partnership. Born two months apart and reuniting in Heaven less than 2 months apart; Paul and Jerry epitomized the words true friendship.

In 1982, Paul went to work as the Assistant Building Official for the City of Pompano and then as the Chief Building Official for the City of Miami Beach from which he retired in 1996. Not quite ready for retirement Paul continued to work as the Chief Building Official for the City of Tamarac, North Bay Village, Golden Beach, Surfside and Opa-locka before finally retiring from a "Real Job" at the age of 85. Despite this, Paul continued working as a Consultant and Expert Witness until he was 87.

Paul was a Teacher, Mentor, a Leader. He touched so many lives leaving an impression on the hearts of all those he guided personally and professionally throughout his life. Whatever you needed Paul had a solution, his answer to everything was "Do not worry about anything." Paul loved cooking and enjoyed sharing his recipes and kitchen with everyone, but Berenice was his favorite Sous-Chef, they shared a lot of laughter preparing family meals.

Paul is survived by his much adored, beautiful, loving wife Berenice, his children Michael Gioia and Ellen Marie Gioia, Giuseppe (Angela) Victorino, Andres (Diana) Victorino his grandchildren, Margaret Schuler, Chase Schuler, Antonella Victorino, Vincenzo Victorino and Salvatore Victorino, Great Grandchildren Pablo Antonio Murillo, Santiago Murillo and Valaria Bernal and his sisters Lorraine Martin and Margaret Gioia, he is pre-deceased by his sister Marie (Jack) Pepper. Paul is also survived by Brothers In-Law , Sisters in Law, Cousins, Nieces Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews in the United States, Colombia and Venezuela.

Paul is also survived by his precious dog Gabby, a Puerto Rican Rescue Berenice surprised Paul with for Father's Day in 2016. Gabby was afraid of men, but slowly, with Paul's gentle, patient coaxing (and people food shared from his plate) she learned to trust Paul. Although never formally trained, she became Paul's self-appointed Therapy Dog. Gabby provided comfort and support to Paul and Berenice in the final days of Paul's life.

"Blue Eyes" as he like to be called despite having brown eyes because he felt Frank Sinatra envied his "Adorable" Good Looks left a legacy of love, laughter and life lessons. Above all, Paul Gioia lived a life that was full, he traveled each and every highway and more than this, Paul did it his way.

Fred Hunter's Funeral Home

2401 South University Drive

Davie, FL 33324

The Family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 20

Celebration of Life Service beginning at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of Flowers the family suggests Donations in Paul's Memory to:

Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation

5000 Dunn Road

Fort Pierce, FL 34961