John "Gino" Faldetta

John “Gino” (Giovanni) Faldetta, age 84, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026.

Born on July 29, 1941, in Canicattì, Sicily, Italy, to Giuseppe Faldetta and Rosa Curcio Faldetta, Gino spent his early years in Savona, Italy. In 1955, he immigrated to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. He first settled in Philadelphia before moving shortly thereafter to Manhattan, where his life reflected a true West Side Story journey—filled with determination, resilience, adventure, and opportunity.

Throughout his life, Gino was known for his strong spirit, unwavering work ethic, and deep love for his family and friends. He embraced life wholeheartedly and carried with him the traditions, values, and warmth of his Italian heritage. His stories, wisdom, humor, and generous heart touched all who knew him.

Later in life, Gino made his home in Punta Gorda, where he enjoyed the company of family and friends and continued to share his vibrant personality with those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Giovanna, whose love and devotion were the cornerstone of their remarkable life together. Their six decades of marriage were a testament to enduring love, partnership, and family.

He is also survived by his three loving children, Rosanna (Harry) Werner, Gabriella (Michael) Frick, and Giuseppe (Dawn) Faldetta; his nine cherished grandchildren, Bianca (Danilo) Marques, Monica, Andrea (Anthony) Afasano, Michael (Haley) Frick, Luke, Sabrina, Liana, Sophia, and Isabella; and his four treasured great-grandchildren, Augustus, Landon, Emilia, and Rylan. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Gino cherished every moment spent with his family, who were the greatest joy and pride of his life.

Upon arriving in America, Gino learned the craft of furniture making, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong and successful career in the building trades. An exceptionally talented general contractor, Gino took tremendous pride in his workmanship and approached every project with skill, dedication, and integrity. His commitment to excellence earned him the respect and admiration of his clients, colleagues, and community. Gino’s craftsmanship and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. Even after retiring, Gino never truly stopped working. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends, generously sharing his time, talents, and expertise whenever needed. His willingness to help others was a reflection of his kind heart, selflessness, and enduring dedication to those he loved.

Gino was a true foodie who thoroughly enjoyed life’s culinary pleasures—he simply loved to eat. Thankfully, his beloved wife, Giovanna, was an exceptional cook who made sure he was not only well fed, but also eating healthy. And anyone who knew Gino knew he had quite a sweet tooth; desserts and treats were among his favorite indulgences. No meal was truly complete without a proper finish, and Gino especially enjoyed a splash of Sambuca in his espresso and a nice glass of Campari to savor at the end of the evening. Gino also delighted in teasing and playfully poking fun at Giovanna, a reflection of the deep love, companionship, and laughter they shared throughout their 60 years of marriage. Sharing meals with family and friends brought Gino great joy, and many cherished memories were made around the family table, where good food, laughter, and love were always abundant.

Gino had a deep appreciation for classic films and especially loved watching old movies. Comedy was always his favorite, and he could often be found laughing along with some of his beloved entertainers, including Jerry Lewis, Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges, the Marx Brothers, Cary Grant, and Gary Cooper. In more recent years, he especially enjoyed the humor and comedic talent of Jim Carrey. Gino’s wonderful sense of humor, infectious laughter, and love of comedy brought joy not only to him, but to everyone fortunate enough to share in those moments with him.

Gino’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the enduring love of his family. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard.

A private memorial ceremony celebrating Gino’s life will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026. The family appreciates the love, prayers, and support they have received during this difficult time and asks that Gino be remembered for the joy, laughter, kindness, and love he shared with all who knew him.