Giuseppe Iannarella

July 31, 1950 – Forever Remembered

Giuseppe Iannarella, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. His life was one defined by sacrifice, resilience, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those he loved most.

Giuseppe was born on July 31, 1950, in Colliano, Salerno, Italy, a small mountain town in the Campagna region, to Mario and Carmella Cavallo Iannarella. At just six months old, his life became part of an extraordinary immigration journey when his parents left Italy seeking a better future. Originally intending to settle in New York, the family instead boarded a ship bound for Buenos Aires, Argentina, after learning the ship to New York had been overbooked. That unexpected decision would shape the course of their family’s future for generations to come.

Giuseppe grew up in Argentina alongside his younger brother Alfredo Gerardo, born in 1952, and sister Maria Graciela, born in 1955. From an early age, he became deeply involved in helping his father with the family business. Giuseppe devoted himself fully to supporting the family and working alongside his father, allowing his siblings the opportunity to focus on their education and future careers. His strong work ethic and sense of responsibility became defining characteristics throughout his life.

In 1971, Giuseppe married Alicia Santiso in Alejandro Korn, Argentina. Together they built a family and welcomed their first daughter, Evangelina Elizabeth, in March 1973. Their second daughter, Marisa Susana Noelia, was born in June 1975 in Buenos Aires, followed by their son, Eduardo Mauricio, born in March 1985 in San Vicente, Argentina.

During the political instability in Argentina in the 1970s, much of the Iannarella family emigrated to the United States. Giuseppe’s parents and sister relocated to New York in 1973, and his brother Alfredo later joined them in 1977. In 1986, Giuseppe made the difficult decision to leave Argentina and reunite with his family in Corona, Queens, New York, bringing with him hopes of creating greater opportunities for his children and loved ones.

In New York, Giuseppe worked tirelessly alongside his brother Alfredo in the family pizzeria business in Sunnyside, Queens. Though life brought many sacrifices, Giuseppe remained committed to supporting his family both emotionally and financially. Even after his wife Alicia returned to Argentina in 1987 with their children, Giuseppe stayed in New York to continue working and providing for them from afar. Despite the distance and eventual divorce, he remained deeply connected to his children throughout his life and continued supporting them in every way he could.

On October 4, 1989, Giuseppe met Stella Salas at the pizzeria. Their first date at the United Nations began a loving relationship that would span decades. Giuseppe lovingly embraced Stella’s daughter, Patricia Ojeda, as his own, becoming a caring and devoted father figure in her life.

In 1998, Giuseppe, Stella, and Patricia relocated to Cooper City, Florida, where they married and built a life centered around family and hard work. Giuseppe continued working with Alfredo after the opening of Alfredo Pizza and Italian Restaurant in the Cooper City Walmart Plaza. He remained dedicated to the business for many years until its sale in 2023, when he entered retirement.

Outside of work and family, Giuseppe was known as the family’s grill master. He loved bringing people together around food, laughter, and conversation. Whether grilling for holidays, family gatherings, or simple weekends at home, he took pride in feeding the people he loved. Those moments around the grill became treasured memories that his family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Family was always at the center of Giuseppe’s life. He took immense pride in being a grandfather and great-grandfather and cherished every moment spent with his growing family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Stella Salas; his children Evangelina Elizabeth, Marisa Susana Noelia, Eduardo Mauricio, and Patricia Ojeda; his brother Alfredo Gerardo Iannarella; his sister Maria Graciela; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Melany Aylen Segard, Rocio Natividad Segard, Magali Noelia Elizabeth Abel, Micaela Lucia Belen Abel, Nadia Yanel Sarmiento, Genesis Nahiara Jazmin Gils, Alma Eluney Encinas, Pia Franchesca Encinas, Bautista Lionel Carrizo, Olivia Cejas, Aymara Denise, Ariadna Samara, Julian, and Victoria.

He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law Delia Aurora; nieces Marisel and Stephanie; nephew Steven and great-nephew Erik Anthony; niece Daniela and her children Caylee Grace and Cole James; and his beloved cousin Cristina Rudu, with whom he shared a close and special bond through countless visits, errands, meals, and cherished moments together.

Giuseppe will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, generosity, humor, incredible cooking, and extraordinary dedication to family. He lived a life marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the many lives he touched.

His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Please open a browser and copy and paste)

Funeral Services are pending. Please keep the Iannarella family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is Honored to assist the Iannarella family with the arrangements.

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