Jack J. Fiorini

Jack was born on September 25, 1925 in Veroli, Italy, a mountain town south of Rome. He emigrated to the U.S. at the age of three with his mother Antoniette, father Antonio and older brother Henry. He grew up in Baltimore City with three brothers, Henry, Joe, and John and three sisters, Lillian, Mary and Josie. Jack worked at open-air markets on Belair Road selling produce as a child helping support the family. It was there he met his life long friend and gumba, Charlie Zappo. Jack met his beloved wife, Josephine, in their neighborhood though she also used to go to the Belair markets with her grandmother. Jack would give their family extra produce because he was fond of her.

He graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in Baltimore and soon after enrolled in the United States Navy. He served his country with honor from December 2, 1943 through April 16, 1946. He was a gunner on the U.S.S. Wisconsin and was also a well-known boxer on his ship. After returning from service Jack started in the masonry trade and went on to build houses throughout Baltimore. He built 12 houses on Highpoint Road alone where he and his three brothers raised their families as neighbors.

He married Josephine in 1947 and they had four children together, Sharon, Tony, Christina and Angela. As the children grew, the family expanded and Jack was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Jessie, Sean, Jack, Tim, Lisa, Emily, Jimmy and Jenny. Jack and Josie were the cornerstones of the family and each birthday, holiday, graduation, recital and sports event were attended and celebrated by all. Jack and Josie instilled a strong sense of family value that carries on today.

Jack and Josie also showed a strong sense of pride for their Italian heritage and were devoted members of the Sons of Italy in Towson for many years. Jack also kept in close contact with his family in Italy and throughout the years he and his family regularly visited Veroli.

One of Jack’s favorite hobbies was wine making and he created a special cellar for his productions. He shared many years in the cellar working with family and friends and enjoying the fruits of their craft. Jack was always working on a project, whether it was with stone, wine or in the garden. One of the highlights of the year was the annual family beach vacation. All the children, grandchildren and even friends went to Bethany Beach for a week. Jack loved the beach, bodysurfing, swimming and spending time with Josie spoiling the grandchildren. The family carries on the beach tradition to this day. In his final years, Jack was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Lucas, Eli, Josie, and Annabel.

Jack lived a long, blessed life full of family and friends and was a respected member of the community. He leaves a legacy of integrity, courage, family value and good cheer. He and will be missed by all and remains forever in our hearts.

The family will receive friends at the Lassahn Funeral Home, Inc. 7401 Belair Road (Overlea) on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 3-5 & 7-9pm and Sunday, May 11, 2014 from 3-7pm. A Christian Wake Service will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at 3:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ursula Church on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 9:30am. Interment Moreland Memorial Park Cemetery. If desired memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project www. woundedwarriorproject.org