John F. Cini

John F. Cini passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 24, 2015. John was born on December 26, 1924 in Johnston R.I. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy and entered the US Navy in 1943. He served as an aviation machinist, radar operator, areal gunner and plane flight engineer captain in an anti-sub squadron where he completed 50 patrol missions. He was discharged April 1946. He met his wife, Vincenza Colagiovani, and they were married Nov. 30, 1946. He then entered the Navy Reserves and attended and graduated from Bryant College with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. He was recalled for active duty for the Korean War in 1950. He served with VS 32 TBM torpedo squadron on an aircraft carrier. He was honorably discharged in 1952. They moved from R.I. to Miami, FL in 1957. In April 1960 he joined the Dade County Sheriff's Dept. as a motorcycle police officer for 7 years. He retired as a sergeant in 1987 with 27 years' service. During this time he earned a BA in criminology. In 1967 during the Vietnam War, he joined the US Coast Guard Reserves and retired with a total of 25 years military service. He and Vickie moved to Gainesville in 1995 and attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Vicki passed away 8 years ago. They were married for 60 years. John became a volunteer at the church and a member of the Knight of Columbus, attaining 3rd degree. He loved every moment of it. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion. John is survived by his son, John Kenny Cini, PhD, daughter, Carol Cini, grandchildren, Gina (Paul) Williams, Paul D'Orazio, Chrissy (Liam) Thomas, Jonathon Cini, Cari Cini, and Michelle (Roy) Echols, great-grandchildren, Jacob, Alexis, Joey, DJ, Mia and Mikayla. He is preceded in death by 5 siblings and great-grandchildren, Dylan and Daniel Sanders. Services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, December 12 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24th Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Queen of Peace Catholic Academy Education Fund, 10900 SW 24th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Forest Meadows Funeral Home.

John F. Cini

December 8, 2015