John Raymond DiGiulio

John’s Father passed away when he was just 6 years old. He and his brother Enrico lived with their Uncle Faustine and Aunt Columba Tobia for a period of time. At 13, he left school to help his mother with household expenses. He met the love of his life, Joan Nugent, in 1954, and they married three years later, on January 14, 1957. John began working for Dellwood Dairy as a Milkman. He started selling Fuller Brush products part-time and eventually took a regular part-time evening job as a Valet at the Yonkers Raceway.

In 1968, he and Joan purchased their first home in Danbury, Connecticut, and moved their family out of New York. In typical Italian fashion, John took pride in the meticulous care he took of his property and the beautiful gardens he created.

At 37 years old, he decided he would pursue a higher education. After passing his GED test, he began evening college courses at Westchester Community College, earning an Associate’s Degree. Around that time, the President of his Teamsters Local 338 was running for re-election, John decided to run against him and won where he remained until his retirement. He was a very proud Teamster.

After retirement, John and Joan became Snowbirds, sharing time between their Connecticut and Naples, Florida homes. At 76 years old, while spending time in Florida, he completed a Master Gardener course at a local college and received his Certification. He became known by friends and neighbors for his skill of attaching Orchids to grow on tree trunks. Two years later, after holding his beloved Joanie’s hand through successful cancer treatments, they decided to make a permanent move to Naples.

John enjoyed landscaping and gardening, events with the Italian American Club, Bocci, listening to Opera, and the many Operas he attended at the MET. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his Family and Friends, and most of all making people laugh.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Joanie, his son Michael, his grandsons Michael and Joshua, his brothers Angelo, Luigi, Enrico, and his sister-in-laws Marie and Beatrice, his brother-in-law Jim, nephew Stephen, and his niece Norine. He is survived by his son John and wife Kelly, daughter Rosanne, his favorite 4-legged daughter Lovey, his grandchildren John, Nick, Devon, Justin, and Andrew, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great, great-grandchild.

We will always remain extremely proud of the life he and Joanie made for themselves and their Family. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The American Heart Association.