He was born on January 18, 1940, in Taranto, a small town in Puglia Italy to Francesco Lasalandra and Maria Michela Albano.
Giovanni spent his early ages working at the port in Taranto. At the tender age of six he would gather the fish caught offshore from the boats and deliver them to the retail stands. The tiny earnings from his hard work were enough to help feed a family of seven. He forfeited education to bring home food and necessities for his family to thrive through the war.
His wish was finally granted when he was selected to board the ship; SATURNIA in 1961 heading to the United States of America, with only $3.35 and a roll of bread with butter. He made it to America where he fulfilled his American dream and built an empire for his family. With the education of only a second grader and not speaking the English language, he opened ten pizzerias and a food distribution warehouse with 50 employees that provides food and products to New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
His hobbies and interests included spending time with his family and friends, listening to Neapolitan music, fishing, riding his 1959 convertible Cadillac, dining, boxing, telling stories of his childhood growing up in Italy, bragging about all his seven grandchildren, thrift store and flea market shopping. His last 9 months were devoted to his wife Carmela. Spending all of his time, love, and energy as her caregiver and loyal companion.
Giovanni Lasalandra is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carmela Diliberto Lasalandra, his sister Angelina “Lina” Amati, his four sons and one daughter and their spouses, Nicky and Kimberly Lasalandra, James Lasalandra, Sylvia Lasalandra Frodella and Michael Frodella, John Lasalandra and Joseph Russell, Dave Lasalandra and partner Carl Booker, and; seven beautiful grandchildren; Giovanni, Marilyn, Martino, Lara, Clair, Carmela and Melina, his best friend Terrell Porter “Uncle Terry”, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends In Italy and the United States.
He was preceded in death by his father, Francesco Lasalandra, his mother Maria Michela Albano, his brother’s; Nichola Lasalandra, Lorenzo Lasalandra, and Vito Lasalandra.
A visitation for Giovanni will be held Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Aycock Funeral Home, 950 NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach, FL 34957. A funeral service will occur Monday, October 17, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 2555 NE Savannah Rd, Jensen Beach, FL 34957. A graveside service will occur Monday, October 17, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM at Fernhill Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, 1501 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, FL 34994.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockjensenbeach.com for the Lasalandra family.
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