John Giovanni Corchiarino

1934 - 2025

Giovanni (John) Carlo Corchiarino passed away on March 17, 2025 after living a full life to reach the age of 90. Born in Savona, Italy in 1934 to Rosa Bianchetti and Michele Luigi Corchiarino. He lost his father at a young age and was raised by a single mother along with his older sister, Piera Maria Corchiarino, and older brother, Giorgio Corchiarino, who both preceded him in death. As a child, his family hid from soldiers during WWII. John didn't go to college, but his intellect could rival any PhD. He spoke Italian, English, French, Norwegian, Spanish, and Portuguese. He also was well versed in Latin. Back then you had to make your own way in the world through grit and perseverance, characteristics John fully embraced. As a young man he left his home country as a merchant sailor on Norwegian ships. He soon learned that working in the kitchen was the best job, so he mastered the art of cooking. That craft became his career. He eventually found his way to New York and worked as cook/chef in the Catskills. As John pushed for more achievement, he rose to management positions in food service with American Airlines (Sky Chef), ARA Services (Air La Carte and Business and Industry), Amtrak, and finally Vice President at Guest Services as well as co-owner of a restaurant business. In October of 1982 John became a citizen of the United States. He was active with and held leadership roles with National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, and National Italian American Foundation. He was also active with many civic organizations like Knights of Columbus and Sons of Italy. He married his wife, Judy, in 1971 and soon was the proud father of daughter, Corrie Corchiarino, and son, Christopher Corchiarino. After John retired, he and Judy moved back to the Eastern Shore where he taught English as a second language at Chesapeake College and worked for the State of Maryland, Caroline County Social Services. After purchasing granite counter tops for his kitchen, John endeavored on a second career selling granite at a local shop and preparing taxes for Jackson Hewitt. He loved living on the Eastern Shore, which was made even better with both of his children in the area. John rejoiced in his relationship with his four granddaughters; Isabella, Emerson, Giuliana and Ellie, who fondly knew him as Nonno, which is "grandfather" in Italian. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he has left a daughter-in law, Kelly, who has been our strength, niece, Beatrice Siccardi, in Italy and a nephew, Federico Santangelo, in England and many members of his extended family on his wife's side. He was preceded in death by his niece Laura Corchiarino