John Andrew Rainier Grimaldi

Grimaldi, John Andrew Rainier “Ray”, 88, of Tampa, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2015. He is survived by his sons, Anthony J. Grimaldi II (Carmen) and Dr. John A. R. Grimaldi, Jr.; his daughter, Karen Rose Grimaldi; two grandchildren, Andy and Alexander Grimaldi; siblings, Stella Lopez (Joseph) and Anthony Juli Grimaldi. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 50 years, Aida Grimaldi, and his parents, Anthony Joseph and Rose Grimaldi. He was born on November 15, 1926, in Tampa, Florida. He attended local schools and graduated from high school at the Georgia Military Academy. Upon graduating in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Aviation Cadet during WW II. He attended the University of Florida where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1951. Ray practiced law from June 1951 to January 1970. He was committed to public service as a Municipal Judge of the City of Tampa and Assistant County Solicitor (Prosecutor) for Hillsborough County. In 1970 he joined the family business, following in his father’s footsteps. From 1970 to 1999, he served as President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Columbia Bank. For seven years during this time, he served as the Italian Council Agent for twenty-six West Coast and Central Florida counties. Ray was a member of the American Bar Association, Florida Bar Association and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Through the years, he was involved in numerous civic organizations, many of them focusing on preserving the unique heritage of Ybor City. He served as President of the Lions Club of Ybor City, President of the Greater Tampa Lions Clubs Sight Conservation Corporation, Board member of Centro Asturiano Hospital, Founder and Board member of the Cuban Club Foundation, Inc., and Board member of Mental Health Care for twenty years. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He was also a past king of Krewe of Sant’ Yago, and a member of the Italian Club, Ybor City Rotary Club, and Tampa Yacht & Country Club. As a proud grandfather, Ray happily spent lots of quality time with his grandchildren, Andy and Alexander. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and his generous heart was a blessing to many. “Papa Ray” will be greatly missed by us all. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at the Davis Islands Campus (97 W. Biscayne Blvd.) of South Tampa Fellowship Church. Burial will follow at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers at the service will be: Andy Grimaldi, Alexander Grimaldi, Mark Barnes, Harlan Logan, Vincent Palori, and James Watson. Honorary pallbearers include Oscar Alvarez and Joseph R. Guagliardo. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.