General Joseph P. Cillo Sr., 93, died on February 2, 2022, at home in Bayonet Point, FL. He was born on June 30, 1928, to Frank and Antoinette Cillo.

Born in Williamsport, PA, Joseph grew up with eight siblings and early on learned the lessons of give-and-take in a large family. While in high school he knew he wanted to attend college, but little did he know that Pearl Harbor and the years following would open for opportunities previously unimaginable.

In 1946 he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served a two-year stint at Parris Island. The G.I. bill gave him a chance to attend Marquette University where, after earning his undergraduate degree, he continued to pursue a degree in medicine. Joe was certified in OB/GYN and surgery.

An impressive list of certifications, appointments, and teaching positions followed until the Vietnam War intervened and stirred him into action. Believing that the U.S. Army was the most viable way to serve his country at the time, he joined the reserves as a surgeon.

In 1968 Joe, now a prominent physician and clinical professor volunteered to go to Vietnam. This life-changing decision began with a mission to provide medical treatment for a group of Vietcong POWs. The astounding fete earned him the respect of the POWs, commendation from the superiors, and the admiration of his men who dubbed him “Tiger” because of his fearless ability to get things done.

In 1980, in acknowledgment of his significant contributions, Joe was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the President of the United States, an honor that filled him with justifiable pride.

Joe first met his wife, Patricia, when she was a nursing student at Elizabeth General Hospital in Elizabeth, N.J. Years later they met again and fell in love. After 49 years of marriage, Joe acknowledged that Pat had been his secret “weapon” throughout the years—the “woman behind the successful man.” She, and his sons Joseph Jr. and Jeffrey, both attorneys, lay claim to his greatest successes.

After an active career, Joe retired in 1982. Four years later he moved to Florida where he soon found ways to contribute to the local community. He volunteered to do medical work for CARES. An avid golf enthusiast, he served on the Board of the Beacon Woods Golf Club. Joe was a licensed pilot, he bowled, played golf and prided himself on his collection of Lionel trains.

The career of Brigadier General, Joseph Cillo, a man who as a boy shined shoes and rose at 4:00 a.m. to deliver papers, is proof that hard work, single-minded determination, and love of country are perfect ingredients for making a true American success.

Joseph is survived by his wife Patricia Cillo, children Joseph P. Cillo Jr., and Jeffrey P. Cillo.   His grandchildren Joseph G. Cillo, Jeffrey Cillo Jr, Christopher Cillo, and Elizabeth Cillo, and four great-grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his sisters Betty Cohick and Irene Calta.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dobies Funeral Home in Hudson, FL.