Thomas A. Iovannisci's Obituary
Thomas A. Iovannisci, age 91, of Syracuse, passed away Tuesday at the VA Medical Center. He was born in Italy, Town of Fara Filiorum Petri, Province of Chieti and came to the U.S. at age eight. Tom graduated from Binghamton Central High School, The American Radio and Television Institute and the Smith School of Technical Electricity. He was a U.S. Army veteran during WWII and served in the European Theatre of operations with the 106th Infantry Division at St. Vith Belgium, Ardennes Forest, Germany and Battle of the Bulge. Tom spent his summers felling trees in Idaho and Montana where he was given the name, "Quiet Man" because of his demeanor and "Skinny Atlas" because of his strength and endurance surpassing the bigger men. He retired from Lipe Rollway Corporation after 25 years and then was a meat cutter at Tops and P & C until age 70. Tom was a communicant of St. Daniel's Church, Guardian of Eucharistic Chapel and sang in choir, member of Holy Name Society and an usher for 15 years. He was also an active member of David Norcott Chapter, Nocturnal Adoration Society, Our Lady of Pompei prayer group and St. Charles Borromeo prayer group. Sponsored by the Lyncourt Fire Department, Tom served 10 years as Scoutmaster of Troop 17. He was a member of the American Legion Post 41, serving as Commander and member of 40 et 8. Institutional Representative for American Legion Post 41 explorer scouts, learning Amateur (Ham) Radio and building a tower under guidance and expertise of Vivian Dooglas and Dan McDonald. A life member of D.A.V. Chapter 30 and 106th Infantry Division (The Cub of the Golden Lion). Tom and Ellen traveled extensively in the 80's and 90's in Europe. Tom and his wife, Ellen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and renewed their marriage vows at Cana in Galilee. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ellen L. (DeFerio) Iovannisci; four sons, Thomas A. (Eleanor) Iovannisci of Kirkville, Dr. David M. Iovannisci of Oakland, CA., Andrew F. Iovannisci of Syracuse and Allen (Melissa) Iovannisci of Leroy, NY; a daughter, Andrea R. (Mehran) Maleki of Omaha, NE; five grandchildren, Michelle, Sage, Alyssa, Sophia and Thomas; a sister, Rose Slinde of Syracuse and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 9:00 am in the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME and 10:00 am in St. Daniel's Church. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Contributions may be made to the DAV Chapter 30, American Legion Post, 1604 Burnet Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206 or Dominican Monastery, 802 Court St., Syracuse, NY 13208.
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