Florino Joseph Scaccia, age 92 of Warren, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren. He was born February 9, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late Raffael and the late Assunta (nee: Rotondi) Scaccia.
At a time when many young men were being inducted into the war effort, Florino wasn’t about to wait for no invitation. He was just 30 days shy of his 18th birthday when he marched on down to that recruiting office in Detroit and signed on the bottom line. With his patriotism burning bright and ready to join his brothers-in-arms, Florino raised his right hand and swore to defend our country against all foreign enemies as a sailor in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Stationed aboard the USS Creon, Florino was trained as an electrician and would climb the ranks from Seaman to his final rank of Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class. Enlisting into the Navy on January 10, 1946, Florino would receive his honorable discharge on November 10, 1947 during ceremonies at the U.S. Naval Air Station in San Diego, California.
So it is, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, that we honor Florino’s service to our country, and for his exhibiting such bravery and valor at such a young age. For the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm’s way for the cause of freedom, we extend our posthumous gratitude for a job well done. Florino truly was a part of our country’s “Greatest Generation.”
So with all that electrical training in the military, it only made sense that Florino would elect to turn that knowledge into a civilian career…opting to offer his expertise as an electrician in the realm of national defense. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career, ultimately retiring from General Dynamics.
When Florino managed to find time away from the job, you’d often find him still working hard,…this time in his treasured backyard garden. Possessing a massive green thumb and the heart of a horticulturalist, Florino tilled his soil and nurtured each plant and flower with the tender-loving-care of a botanist, and it wasn’t long before the “fruits of his labors” were brimming with life and nutrients. He loved his garden and the serenity it provided each time he headed out back to nurture and till anew. Florino’s garden was a delight for the eyes, and sometimes for the tummy as well.
In his younger years, Florino was taken with the sport of soccer and thoroughly enjoyed participating in the sport as well. For as much as he played and as good as he was, it came as no surprise when a scout from a Canadian soccer league espied what Florino was bringing to the table,…and offered him to bring it to their table, too. So for a season in Florino’s life, he proudly looked back and reminisced about the days he got to live out a dream.
Being of Italian descent, it’s a no-brainer that food and wine were definitely high on Florino’s list of top delights. But when it came to wine, he just had to have his hand in its production,…so Florino entered the wonderful world of wine making, right there in his own home. It just doesn’t get more convenient than that, friends. Need a bottle? No problem! No coat or gasoline required. Simply make the trek downstairs, open the cellar door, and Voila!
So to recap,…he kept the “juice” goin’…the garden growin’…the wine flowin’…it was simply mind-blowin’! And to keep it all running smoothly, it required a great deal of faith,…that which he received from his deep and abiding relationship with God. Florino was truly a man of faith, and those roots ran deep. Not real boisterous about it, just a quiet and unassuming depth that spoke volumes about balance and strength under control. Perhaps the operative word there would be “quiet.” His family reflects on how that will be one of their outstanding remembrances,…a simple, quiet man who truly enjoyed life. And that was never more evident than when he spent time in the company of his grandkids. They were the light of his life, and brought abounding joy to his heart. They had no greater fan than Grandpa as he was ever-present at their many sporting events.
Florino adored his family and lived for each and every moment he was afforded in their company. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather,…this backyard gardener not only raised a crop, but raised a loving family in the process as well. He tilled their minds, watered their hearts, and ultimately reaped a harvest as he gleaned a loving and healthy family. Florino touched a multitude of hearts and souls in his journey this side of Heaven. May he know all the pleasures on the other side as he enjoys his new home that God has been preparing for him.
Florino was the beloved husband of the late Celia, and dearest father of Mary (Matt) Szymanski. Loving grandfather of Michael (Samantha) Szymanski and Jeremy (Jami) Szymanski. Adored great-grandfather of Allison, Gavin, and Garrett. Brother of the late Mary Franchina, and the late Lorenza Scaccia.
A private family viewing will be followed by entombment at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.
Memorial donations are welcomed to the Capuchin Ministries, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street., Detroit, Michigan 48207. (www.cskdetroit.org)
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