When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Thomas Joseph Ciaccio who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Thomas was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Thomas knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
His parents were Epefanio Ciaccio and Margaret DeLuca. Thomas was raised in New York City. Even as a youngster, Thomas learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Thomas was able to put his natural abilities to work. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Thomas was raised with five siblings, Lucille Hayes Josephine Shepperd, Margaret LaBarbera, Peter Ciaccio, and his twin sister Rosemary Imprescia. Thomas had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Thomas, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
An objective and conscientious individual, Thomas reveled in the security of his family. One of Thomas’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
Thomas met the Love of his life, Janet Breen and they were married for 50 wonderful years. They were blessed with two children, Denise and Thomas. Thomas was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Thomas would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Thomas was also blessed with a wonderful son in law, Manfred (Joe) DeForest and a beautiful daughter in law, Courtnay Ciaccio. He was also honored with nine grandchildren, Amanda and Nate Evans, Michael DeForest, Nicholas Ciaccio, Noah and Maddy Hoover, Olivia, Elizabeth, Ethan Murtha and one great grandchild Ashton Robertson. Also many nieces and nephews and his two puppies Moe and Curley.
His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the United States Army.
Being generous with his time and energy, Thomas liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his younger years, Thomas was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was an avid fan of the New York Rangers, New York Giants and New York Mets. Thomas also attended the Alzheimer's Day Center at Daniel Cantor Center where he engaged many activities and socialized with new friends.
He is survived by his daughter Denise DeForest (son-in-law Manfred DeForest), son Thomas J. Ciaccio II (daughter-in-law Courtnay Ciaccio) nine grandchildren, one great grand, a host of nieces and nephews and many other family, friends and loved ones who will dearly miss him. Services were held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home South in Davie, Florida. Thomas was laid to rest into the "Arms of God".
All who knew him would agree that Thomas was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Thomas Joseph Ciaccio did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Alzheimer's Association and American Heart Association
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