John Thomas (Giovanni) Schiro, 99, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Friday, June 21, 2019.

He was born December 10, 1919 in Staten Island, New York, residing there until moving to Port Charlotte in 1992. Known as “Poppa John” to family and friends alike, he will be most remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and the embodiment of values belonging to the Greatest Generation.

In 1939, at the age of 20, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a six year engagement that started aboard the USS Arkansas. He later transferred to the USS Independence (CVL-22) in 1943, initially as a member of the engine room’s “black gang” and later as chief machinist mate in the forward engine room. Aboard the USS Independence he would see 111 engagements and experience “Hasley’s Typhoon” in 1944, a storm in the Philippine Sea that resulted in extensive damage to the Task Force 38 fleet and loss of life.

After the war, John joined Proctor & Gamble Manufacturing Co., where he proudly worked for almost 40 years before retiring in 1983 in charge of plant operations. Independent to his final days, John was an avid reader of historical biographies, an accomplished shuffleboard player, active member of Italian American Club and Sons of Italy, where he loved Thursday night gatherings with friends enjoying pasta, singing and dancing the night away.

He is survived by his loving family, daughters, Dolores Langley of Port Charlotte and Debra Parisi of Staten Island; sister, Mary Schiro of Staten Island; four grandchildren, Brian, Craig and Glenn Langley and Dina Lioce; and seven great grandchildren, Brain Jon, Brett, Schuyler, Noah and Owen Langley, Mia and Talia Lioce. He is predeceased by a daughter, Judith, and his wife of 59 years, Olga Schiro, the love of his life, with whom he travelled extensively with the Navy League across the United States, Europe, Puerto Rico and Bermuda.

A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2019 at Roberson Funeral Homes Port Charlotte Chapel, 2151 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, followed by entombment and committal services with Military Honors by the U.S. Navy, at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.