A. J. Pionessa

Anthony Joseph Pionessa, ( A.J., Tom), passed away peacefully August 16th due to a tragic accident. He was the oldest of ten children born to Gussippi Dominic and Nellie Clementine Pionessa on March 19, 1921 in Lancaster, New York. He was a Marine and so proud to serve his country in World War ll. The Military sent him to Jacksonville during the Korean War to train men in artillery. He loved Jacksonville so much he decided to make this his permanent home.

He leaves a legacy of love and many happy memories to be cherished by his family and friends. His handshake was his bond. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved dancing “The best dancing partner in the world”. He was a certified master mason and loved working with concrete block and brick. His footprint is in many Jacksonville locations such as the construction of the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Gulf Life Tower, and Skyway express. Placing the granite columns at the Performing Arts Center and may others. In his earlier years he was a runner, played tennis and golf. He skydived at 77.

He is survived by his loving wife, Georgianne; sons, Gerald J. (Evelyn), Mark A. (Sue), Anthony J. Jr. (Tina); step-daughter, Sonja Hayes (Tex); grandsons, Gerald J. Pionessa Jr. (Shannon), Mark E. Pionessa and Anthony C. Pionessa; granddaughters, Lacy Taylor (Chris), Kristina Pionessa; step-granddaughters, Elora(Jessica)DeGrey, and Ellie Wells; and great-grandsons, Jacob Taylor, and twins, Guy and Sawyer Pionessa; brothers, Paul J. Pionessa and Joseph D. Pionessa (Debbie) of Western New York; sister, Burnetta A. Brown (Bob) of California, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Thomas E. Pionessa; brothers, Donald L., William T., Raymond G., and sisters, Evelyn R. Peika, Margaret V. Anthony and Theresa M. Law.

He was a member of the Safari Club International North Florida Chapter, member and past president of the Southside Business Men’s Club, American Ballroom Association, and Italian American Club, charter member of the University Club, Duval Lawmen’s Association and Friday Night Dance Club of Orange Park.

Memorial services will be 11:30am on Saturday, August 29th at the Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 11844 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, Florida. If you want to make a donation in his honor, please do so to the 5 Star Veterans Center, 40 Acme Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32211

Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardage-giddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida is serving the family.