Joseph P. “Joe” Caranante, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully December 24, 2020 after a long battle with Dementia. Joe was born on May 19, 1936 in Tampa, Florida. He grew up in Seminole Heights, and graduated from Hillsborough High school and Florida Southern College with a degree in in Journalism in 1958. After a two year stint in the Army in Texas, Joe returned to Tampa in the early 1960’s, and became a pioneer in the fledgling “Talk Radio” medium with WINQ Radio. In the 70’s, Joe left radio to become part of Mayor Dick Greco’s administration. His career later took him into both Banking and the Travel Industry through the rest of the 70‘s and 80’s. In 1989 he became a member of the Tampa Port Authority.
Besides having a passion for both business and government for almost 40 years, Joe’s greatest love was for his family and faith. He regularly attended South Tampa Fellowship Church with his son Joseph and daughter, Dana. Spending his later years at the beach, the best times were when they visited, and he could spend time with them and his two Brothers, Vince and Sam, and their families.
He is preceded in death by parents, Sam and Angelina Caranante, and his brother Dr. Vincent Caranante.
Joe is survived by his children, Dana (Michael) Benson, Joseph Caranante; and his brother, Dr. Samuel (Priscilla) Caranante.
A gathering of Friends and Family will take place on Saturday, January 2nd from 1pm to 2pm with a Celebration of life beginning at 2pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home- MacDill Chapel, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa FL 33609. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
