GIUFFRIDA, Louis O. (Former Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency)
The Honorable Louis O. 'Jeff' Giuffrida, of Claremont, Calif., died peacefully in his sleep on November 20, 2012, at the age of 92. Born October 2, 1920 in Middletown, son of the late Innocenzio and Rosa (Labella) Giuffrida of 36 Washington Street, Louis attended local schools, earned a B.A. degree from UConn, and a Master's degree from Boston University.
Louis began a 48-year career of service to his country at the age of 16 as a member of Middletown's 169th Infantry, Connecticut National Guard. A career military officer, Louis retired from the Regular Army with the rank of Colonel, and was later promoted twice in the State Military Reserve of California, to the rank of Major General. Louis was originally commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer in 1943 where he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a platoon leader and company commander until 1946. He left the Marine Corps to accept a Regular Army commission and later served with the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict. Throughout his career he held an impressive variety of command positions primarily in military police and intelligence assignments, including duty with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He left the Regular Army in 1971 and founded the California Specialized Training Institute within the Military Department of the State of California, where he directed courses in comprehensive emergency management to deal with civil disorder, terrorism, natural disaster, and incidents involving nuclear and hazardous materials.
In 1981 the United States Senate confirmed President Reagan's nomination of Mr. Giuffrida to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the charge to revise and improve the entire national system of planning for and managing civil emergencies of every type. Louis fulfilled that duty establishing our nation's first Integrated Emergency Management System and served as the designated Chief U.S. Delegate to NATO's Civil Emergency Planning and Civil Defense committees.
Louis resigned from the FEMA position in 1985 to establish Giuffrida International Associates to offer emergency planning and management services world-wide. Over the years he served as an advisor to universities, corporations, and governments around the world and earned an international reputation as a foremost authority on emergency management. He was the recipient of many military and civil awards including the USSR's 'Memorial Medal', Italy's 'Merito della Repubblica Italiana', and Sweden's 'Sundelin Medal', their highest civil defense award.
Despite an incredibly active and demanding professional life, Louis was always available to any family member, at any time, for any reason. He was the true patriarch of the family, all of whom relied upon his wisdom, guidance, love and care.
Louis is survived by Genevieve (Chapowicki) his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, by daughter Elena Arnett and husband Gary of Nova Scotia, daughter Luisa Jaffe and husband Saul of Claremont, CA, son John and wife Kimberly of Trophy Club, TX, son Bruno of Claremont, CA, son Matthew and wife Crystina of San Luis Obispo County, CA, 11 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.
Louis was predeceased by his six brothers and three sisters: Cosimo of Boston, VA; Bruno of San Diego, CA; Giulio of Middletown; Joseph of Middletown; Francis of Meriden; and John of Forest Hills, NY; Vincenza Maselli of Middletown; Josephine Alexander of Modesto, CA; and Rosa Rogers of Portland.
Mr. Giuffrida will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA at the convenience of his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bruno~
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. From all of your stories about your father, he must have seemed larger than life, and you must miss him dearly.
I will pray for you and your family.
God Speed!
Amy Prether
December 17, 2013
November 14, 2013
I was very sadden to just learn of the General's passing. The General and I became very close when he commanded CSTI and I wa a Lieuntenant with the San Luis Pbispo Sheriff's Dept. I will miss but always treasure his wisdom, leadership, knowledge and loyalty that he shared with me. Friendship does not end with death. See you later General
Izzy Flores
November 14, 2013
Knew and loved both Jenna and Jeff in San Luis Obispo, then lost touch. Thank you for this memorial guest book and obituary to remember them and their family.
Ben Cox
September 9, 2013
We met Jeff & Jenna when they moved to the Colorado Springs area. One couldn't ask for more wonderful neighbors. We'll miss you Jeff.
Michael Collins
August 29, 2013
I was honored to serve with Jeff when he was director of FEMA. He was a good man who loved his God, country, and family. A genuine leader and patient teacher who I will always remember as my friend
Jeffrey Bragg
February 11, 2013
Don Henderson
President
508th Military Police Bn. Alumni
Served Co D Regensburg,Germany 1960 to 1962.
February 8, 2013
Having just learned of the passing of Col Giuffrida, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to his family. RIP Sir.
508th Military Police Bn.
Alumni Association
Wayne Fitzpatrick
Secretary Alumni Assoc.
Wayne Fitzpatrick
February 8, 2013
Joanne and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Louis was a great leader and role model for us all. "Of the Troops and for the Troops". God Bless. The Wheelers.
Jim Wheeler
January 30, 2013
Our Thoughts are Prayers are with you!
Michael Lowder
January 29, 2013
Friederike and I are very saddened at the passing of Louis.He was a true gentleman and brilliant leader.The country has lost a noble patriot.Please accept our sincere condolences.The Statums
Herman Statum
January 28, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Psalms 48:14 says "For God is our God forever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death".
Laurie Giuffrida May San Antonio, Texas
(Joe Giuffrida' s daughter)
January 2, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
December 24, 2012
Dear Genevieve:
I am saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. I had the distinct privilege and high honor of serving your husband in Washington during his leadership of FEMA.
Your husband was a unique man, a proud patriot and a fantastic cook of marvelous Italian food.
It had the privilege of dining on his cooking in the director's conference room as he hosted various members of Congress and others of the Reagan era.
He served his country with distinction throughout his life and he will long be remembered.
May God bless his soul in Eternal Peace and uplift you and your family at this loss.
Warmest Personal Regards,
Ronald G. Eberhardt
Former Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Ronald G Eberhardt
December 24, 2012
So sorry to hear of Uncle Louie's passing.Bruno always spoke highly of his Uncle. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Cathie, Rich and Kerri Giuffrida
Cathie Giuffrida
December 23, 2012
Cara famiglia,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. May you find peace and solace!
Jenny Louisa Giuffrida
December 21, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With much love,
Lynn Giuffrida & family
December 21, 2012
God bless...
December 20, 2012
Deborah Lucas
December 20, 2012
Dear Family members; my name is Debbie (Giuffrida) Lucas, mother of Joshua and Heather Lucas. My condonlences to you all, i am sorry to learn today of my Great Uncle Louis's paasing. Uncle Louis as we all know was a wonderful man, much like my grandfather and his brother, John Giuffrida Sr. May Uncle Louis rest in peace. God bless the Giuffrida family.
December 20, 2012
God bless...
Sam of the Middletown Press
December 19, 2012
Aunt Genna and cousins Elena, Luisa, Bruno, John, and Matt, please know we share your loss, and that you are all in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
Michael, Donna and family
December 19, 2012
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