Joseph Fred Nardo

Looking on Heaven's scenes tonight will find the streets guarded by Col. Joseph F. Nardo, USMC (Ret) who passed from this world Monday, June 30, 2014.

Col. Nardo was born in Philadelphia, PA November 21, 1936 to Antonio and Esther Nardo. He attended Southeast Catholic High School where he was instrumental in the football team twice winning the Philadelphia city championship, scoring both touchdowns in the 1954 title game. Col. Nardo received 22 football scholarships, choosing Villanova University to be near his family and Catherine Fera, the love of his life. Joe and Catherine were married June 13, 1959 in a beautiful ceremony attended by over 1,000 friends and relatives.

Col. Nardo chose to follow in the path of his two uncles who served in the island campaigns of World War II by becoming a United States Marine. He attended the 25th Officer Candidate Class, graduating in early 1960 as a Second Lieutenant of Marines.

Col. Nardo held many command billets and positions of responsibility during his distinguished 30-year career including Platoon Commander, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and Foxtrot Company, 5th Marine Regiment; Commanding Officer, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Inspector-Instructor, USMC Reserve Unit, New Castle, PA; Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks NAS Jacksonville/Cecil Field; J-3 Operations Officer, 8th Infantry Division, US Army, Seoul, South Korea; the first Senior Marine Officer Instructor, Norwich University; and Senior Marine, U.S. Naval War College. Col. Nardo also served as one of the Marine Corps? first Counterintelligence Officers, as Staff Counterintelligence Officer, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMF-PAC) for Lieutenant General Charles ?Brute? Krulak and in Vietnam as the Officer in Charge of the 5th Counterintelligence Team.

Col. Nardo is a graduate of Villanova University where he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies, Pepperdine University where he holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the US Naval War College. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat ?V?, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat ?V?, Combat Action Ribbon, and various campaign/ service medals and ribbons for three tours of duty in Vietnam.

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps in 1990 Col. Nardo and his wife Catherine settled in Winter Springs, Florida. It did not take the Colonel long to continue his legacy of inspiring and leading others, as he started the Naval Junior ROTC program at Oviedo High School in 1993. In his 21 years at the helm of the program, he was instrumental in developing it into one of the best in the nation, receiving many awards and accolades, and serving as a model for other programs throughout the country. During his time at Oviedo High School Col. Nardo influenced the lives of thousands of cadets, high school students, staff, and parents. His selfless, tireless efforts resulted in the awarding of dozens of appointments and scholarships to the US Naval Academy, US Military Academy, and ROTC scholarships to deserving students. His guidance, inspiration and leadership example were also instrumental in hundreds of students successfully serving our nation in all branches of the military. His guidance and leadership in multiple fundraising efforts led to the collection of hundreds of thousands of dollars for the NJROTC program and various needy causes in the Winter Springs/Oviedo community. Col. Nardo?s efforts were recognized by Oviedo High School and the Seminole County School Board as they twice dedicated the NJROTC building in his name.

Col. Nardo and his wife Catherine were also devout members of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Winter Park, where he served as a lector at Mass, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and also taught Sunday school classes to children.

Col. Nardo is preceded in death by Catherine, his loving wife of 55 years who passed away April 2, 2009 and his brother Nick who was both an inspiration and role model in his life. He is survived by his son Jeff Nardo (former Major, USMC) and wife Jaye (former Sgt., USMC) of Winter Springs, FL; son Mark Nardo and wife Leslie Ashburn-Nardo, PhD of Indianapolis, IN; son Joseph Nardo and wife Stephanie of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren Greg Nardo and Steven Nardo of Swansboro, NC, Coral Nardo of Virginia Beach, VA, Steven Odermatt of Dallas, TX, Jessica Odermatt of Titusville, FL; brother Guy Nardo and wife Janet of Manalapan, NJ; sister Rose DiTullio of Summerville, SC ; sister-in-law Linda and brother-in-law Angelo Milicia of Somerdale, NJ.

Col. Nardo was an inspiration and role model for all family, friends, Marines, and acquaintances who knew him, truly embodying his lifelong mantra of ?Leadership by Example?.

He will be missed by family, friends, and the thousands of students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Oviedo High School and the Winter Springs/Oviedo communities.

Semper Fi, Colonel?we take great comfort knowing you are leading the many Marines guarding the streets of heaven.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Oviedo High School NJROTC Booster Club Scholarship Fund or the American Cancer Society.

The family will be receiving friends Monday, July 7, 2014 from 6-9 PM at Collison Family Funeral Homes Howell Branch Chapel.
A Funeral Mass will celebrated Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Arrangements entrusted to COLLISON FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY 3806 Howell Branch Road Winter Park, Florida 32792. Phone(407)678-4500