Joseph A. Appignani, Jr.

June 16, 2020

Joseph A. Appignani, Jr., died peacefully on Thursday, June 16th, 2020 surrounded by his daughter, Sandra Appignani and son in law, Mark Baumgarten, in Sarasota, Florida. Joseph was a faithful and loving husband to his wife Nancy S. Appignani, to whom he was married to for more than sixty years until her death (2017). Born in Staten Island, New York in 1930, to parents Joseph A. Appignani and Carmel (D’Angelo) Appignani, Joe was the oldest of three siblings, preceded in death by his younger brother, Augustine B. Appignani (1998), and survived by his sister, Georgianna Appignani Lynn of South Hampton, New York and Sarasota, Florida. Joseph served his country during the Korean War earning the rank of Corporal in the United States Marine Corp, for which he received the National Defense Service Medal. He played trumpet, and led a marching band by invitation to President Eisenhower’s inauguration, volunteered to train musicians for the New York City Police Athletic League, and led a band. He was a graduate of Port Richmond High School, and attended the City University of New York where he studied architecture. He developed, designed and built numerous custom homes in Staten Island throughout his lifetime. Subsequent to an attic fire in his family home, he endeavored to become a firefighter. He retired as a Captain from the New York City Fire Department, serving the City of New York for close to forty years with compassion and kindness to all he encountered. While retired, he volunteered on 911, for which he was awarded a ribbon (343). Joe was a gifted student, exceptional musician, extraordinary craftsman, and a generous and loving husband, brother, father and grandfather. He was one of few; not one of many. He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Appignani (Steve Blacklow), Sandra Appignani (Mark Baumgarten), and his dearly loved and cherished grandchildren, Julien Appignani (Andrea Markell), Serena, Jeremiah, and Arielle Blacklow. We will miss him, but know his spirit endures in those whose lives he touched. In appreciation for the excellent care they provided for Joseph, we ask that donations be made in his memory to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota, Florida; and in honor of all who serve, to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. A private funeral mass will be held at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida, followed by interment at Moravian Cemetery in Staten Island, New York.