Gino Scialdone

Gino Scialdone, 75, died at his residence in Diamondhead after a long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gherig’s disease) on Monday, August 15, 2005. He was born on February 16, 1930 in Gaeta, Italy. He joined the Italian Merchant Marine after World War II and later moved to New Orleans, LA. Gino had three children, became a successful business executive, and lived a full life. Gino founded the Gulf Coast Italian American Cultural Society and dedicated much of his life to the success of the American Italian Federation, including service as its President. He has catered to the needs of immigrants, tourists, and businessmen as the Italian Consular to the State of Mississippi. In recognition of his lifelong service to Italians, Gino was knighted by the Republic of Italy. Gino’s life exemplified the spirit and tenacity of Italian immigrants, their commitment to family, community development, and civic responsibility. Gino was born in Italy to Salvatore and Leonilde Scialdone. He was the youngest of four siblings. At the age of 18, Gino entered Nautical School after World War II in order to immediately support his family. He would eventually attain the highest position available in the Italian Merchant Marine: Master-All Oceans-Unlimited Vessels. On one of his many trips at sea, he would meet and marry an American and move to the USA. Moving his family to Gulfport in 1965, Gino went on to become a key industry leader in developing the Port of Gulfport (which would grow to become the largest tropical fruit port in the US). After 40 years of service, Gino retired Vice-President and Director of U.S. Terminal Operations of the Dole Food Company. Along the way, he founded the Gulf Coast Italian-American Cultural Society, became a founding member of Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi, and served on the boards of numerous charities and civic organizations. Gino leaves behind a loving and devoted family. His wife, Cecile Miketinas Scialdone, of Diamondhead, three children, daughter Maggie Dannreuther and spouse Chris, of Long Beach; daughter Jennifer Leblanc and spouse Patrick, of Lafayette, Louisiana, son John Scialdone and spouse Julie, of Diamondhead; a step-daughter, Jamie McNally Henderson and spouse, Robbie of Montgomery, AL. Gino had six grandchildren: Charles and John Piccione, Melissa and Stephen Passman, and Laura and Christopher Scialdone. All adored and respected their grandfather and were especially close to him. The family also wishes to thank Jason Kelly who took excellent care of Gino and treated him as a father. The family also wishes to recognize Gino’s personal trainer, Constant Payne, who worked with him so lovingly for the past three years. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 17th at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis where friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until the Mass. Burial will be at the Scialdone Family Chapel in Gaeta, Italy. Persons wishing to send a memorial on Gino’s behalf can do so to the ALS Assn. http://www.alsa.org/ or (818) 880-9007. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.