Biondo, Steve

Steve Biondo

Born: Steve Biondo November 11, 1924

Passed: September 2, 2012

Obituary

In January Steve’s son Mark sent me this note.

Mr. Johnson, I am Mark Biondo, Steve’s son. It pains me to have to inform you that my Dad passed away suddenly from a massive stroke on Sept. 2, 2012. I took care of him ever since my Mom passed away in May 2010. He missed her so very much that it had a bad affect on him. At least he did not suffer too badly and is now in Heaven with Mom.

My dad never talked much about WWII, unless I asked him. From what I recall he went to boot camp at Camp LeJeune, then went to San Diego, then boarded a ship and went to the Solomon Islands, Bougainville, and Guadalcanal during the war. He was a Corporal when he was honorably discharged.

I’m still feeling the pain of his passing, very depressing 24/7. With the help from God and some time, I’m hoping I will be able to smile again.

You take care and may God bless you.

Respectfully – Mark

BIONDO, STEVE, whose parents were among the pioneer families of Homestead, passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2012. Steve spent his entire life in Homestead. He was 87 years old, having been born on November 11, 1924. Steve, his 4 brothers and 2 sisters all grew up in what was then known as the Little Italy section of Homestead. Steve was a veteran of World War II. He saw action with the United States Marine Corps 4th Division in the Pacific theater of the war. Following his honorable discharge, Steve returned to Homestead and made his career in the agriculture business. He was well respected and made many friends. As an athlete, Steve was a member of a State Champion basketball team with Homestead High School. He also was a member of the Homestead All-Stars fast-pitch softball team. Managed by Fred Rhodes, the All-Stars won a State Championship in 1959.

Steve married the love of his life, Leila Claggett, on September 5, 1948. Steve and Leila were married for over 61 years, until Leila's passing on May 17, 2010. Steve is survived by his sons, Mike (Debra), Mark, Jim (Colleen), his grandchildren, Jamie, J.P., Ryan, Katrina and Eric, and his great-grandchildren, Ashley, Ryan Jr., and Rhett James. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Homestead, where Steve was a charter member. The church is located at 29050 SW 177th Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030. Arrangements have been made by Funeral Consulting Services, Nicholas R. Sincore, Funeral Director. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory can be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, online at http://www.vfw.org or by mail to VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 (816-756-3390).

Published in Miami Herald on September 6, 2012