Philip Anthony "Rocky" Graziano's Obituary
Philip Anthony Graziano, 98, of Pembroke Pines, FL, passed away at sunrise on Thursday, February 4, 2016 with his loving family by his side. He was born on December 5, 1917 in Syracuse, NY. Phil was the last of nine children to the late Peter and Caterina (Ferrito) Graziano.
Philip served in the Army during World War II from March 1942 – May 1945. He fought in many battles as gunnery sergeant including the battle of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland campaigns. He was a POW for 5 months in Hitler’s concentration camps. He received many decorations including (8): Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. After recovering from his wounds he was honorably discharged on September 27, 1945.
He went on to attend Syracuse University and graduated with a BA in Business Administration. He moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL in the 1950’s and was a true outdoorsman who loved to be outside from sunrise to sunset. Philip was an avid golfer who, over his lifetime, achieved 14 Hole-in-Ones! He also enjoyed gardening, reading, playing cards and visiting with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Ferritto, Leonard Graziano, Peter Graziano, Johanna Graziano, Antonina DaRin, Frances Graziano, Marion Cangemi and Katherine Boccardo and his life partner for more than 50 years, Paula Mertens.
He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Funeral Service in celebration of Philip’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road, (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. Entombment will be private at the Graziano Family Mausoleum.
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