Obituary: John C. Giarrusso, 87, WWII Army Veteran

John C. Giarrusso, 87, of Johnston since 1954, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Cherry Hill Manor, Johnston. He was the beloved husband of sixty-one years to Helen M. (Nardolillo) Giarrusso.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Carmine and Anna (DeToro) Giarrusso. John was a US Army veteran serving during WW II in the 1St Calvary Division during the occupation of Japan and a US Air Force veteran serving in Korea from 1955-1959. He also served in the RI National Guard. John received many awards and ribbons during his military service. He was the manager of R. Giarrusso Trucking, Inc. in Johnston for twenty years until his retirement. John was also a former employee at the US Naval Air Station, Quonset Point. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, VFW, and member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter #1, 52nd Fighter Association (USAF), RI National Guard Retirees Association, UCT, RI House Permanent Advisory Council. John was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

He is survived by his loving sons, James Giarrusso of Chepachet, Michael Giarrusso of Danville, CT , John Giarrusso and his wife Gina of Johnston, and Ray Giarrusso and his wife Connie of Johnston. John was the cherished grandfather of Danielle, Dina, John, Alexis, Domenic, Michael, Sam, Ronnie, Daniel, Jennifer, Gabriella and Nate, and the great-grandfather of Zoe-Ray and Olivia. He is also survived by Paul Russo of Johnston and William Baffoni of Smithfield who John thought of as his sons. He was the brother of the Ann Enos and her husband Don of Smithfield, Linda Houle of MA, and the late Carmine Giarrusso.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Monday at 9:00 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Road, Johnston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS Sunday4-8 p.m. Visit nardolillo.com for online condolences.