John Atanasio

Of Largo, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2017. Born

December 11, 1922 in Palermo, Sicily, he immigrated to New York City as a young boy. In 1952, he relocated to Bergenfield, New Jersey, with his young family where he served on the Borough of Bergenfield Town Council for many years. He was also President of the Bergenfield Police Athletic League where he was instrumental in the development of the still existing Pony League Baseball Complex.

He proudly served in World War II in the Army Air Corp from 1941 through 1945. He was a flight engineer on a B-24 Liberator completing 35 missions over North Africa. He was the last surviving member of his original crew 15th Air Force, 98th Bomb Group. 343rd SQ DN.

John recently retired as President of Alba Consulting Corp., a commercial real estate management firm he started. He was a volunteer for the Clearwater Air Park Civil Air Patrol for many years and retired as Squadron Commander with the rank of Major.

He was a fixture at the Largo Town Council meetings and also served on their downtown Advisory Committee.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Emily, and his daughter, Donna Stanton. He is survived by his three sons, Dominick (Faith) of Montvale, New Jersey; John (Kathy) of Flemington, New Jersey; and Andrew (Diane) of Largo, Florida. He was the proud grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of seven.

In addition to his family, he loved flying, fishing and community service. He will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Suncoast Hospice of Largo, Florida.

Services will be held at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo, FL, on Friday, June 2nd with visitation from 4-6pm, and funeral services to follow at 6pm.