Vito Peter Giannini

Vito Giannini of Orange Park, Florida passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.  Vito was born on November 22, 1936 in Englewood, New Jersey and resided in New Jersey until relocating to Florida in 1978.

            Vito proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1966 as both active duty and reservist.  He was a Captain in the Palisades Park Ambulance Corp and was a long time, well-respected member of the Jensen Beach Fire Department rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

Vito will be remembered for his ever-present cigar, crushing handshake, incredible “green thumb” and his obsession with the crime show, “The First 48.”  He was a fixture around town in his little, green truck that was mostly held together with duct tape, Gorilla Glue, and spray foam.  It was not out of the ordinary for him to stop in for an unannounced visit just to say, “Hi.”

Vito was preceded in death by his son Joseph Nicholas Giannini, grandson Dakota Joseph Kinkton and sisters Ida Killcullen and Bernice Rosenboom.  He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marie Giannini, his children Jack Giannini and wife Karen, Lisa Sweitzer and husband Dale, Laura Arrington and husband Michael and son Nicholas Giannini. He was Poppy to Matthew Giannini and wife Deanna, Jake Giannini, Kelsey Kinkton, Morgan Kinkton (wife of Dakota), Dylan Sweitzer and Gunner Arrington.  His great grandchildren, Rebel Jimenez, Levi Kinkton, Madeleina Giannini, Joseph Giannini and Alli Jane Kinkton will miss him greatly.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. A repast will immediately follow at a location to be determined. A graveside service will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:30am.