Peter Lawrence Ginocchio

Peter L. Ginocchio, born in Daytona Beach, Fla., on March 27, 1938, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2025, in Melbourne, Fla.
Peter grew up on the water, which began a lifelong love of boats and the sea. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1961 with a mechanical engineering degree. After, he joined the Marines, with his basic training at Parris Island. His stint in the Marines was short, but being a Marine grew in importance to him as his years went on.
He met his wife, Barbara Downs, in 1963 in Miami while she was an Eastern Airlines stewardess. They had five children together and remained married for 62 years until Barbara's death in May 2024. Peter was a devoted husband, caring for Barbara for five years after a stroke and increasing dementia.
Peter's professional journey was marked by significant achievements in the aviation industry. Peter started at Pan Am in Miami and NYC, then later played a key role in the development and marketing of several business jets, including the Falcon 20 at Pan Am, the Cessna Citation in Wichita and then Canadair in Connecticut and Montreal. He finished his career back at Dassault Falcon Jet in N.J. His work took him across the globe, and he was known in the industry for his innovative approach to customer service and product support. He led both Canadair and Dassault to a number one ranking in customer support, which highlights his leadership and management ability.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Peter embraced life with enthusiasm and kindness. He was an avid hunter and skier. He loved boating and owned about 10 boats in his lifetime, most of which he made himself or restored. In retirement, he built two racing crab skiffs and won most of the Chesapeake Bay racing events, highlighting his engineering skills and handiness.
His other passion was flying, obtaining his pilot's license in the early 1970s. He owned a Piper Cherokee Warrior for over 20 years, which he flew for fun and shared with his oldest sons, also pilots, Bill and Larry.
While Peter and Barbara moved many times, they were always active in a local church, choosing one that had the best community. This led them to be part of Lutheran, Episcopalian and Congregationalist churches, among others.
Peter was a devoted husband, father, uncle and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two children, Pamela Lynn Ginocchio and Lawrence John Ginocchio.
He is survived by three children, William Charles Ginocchio, Paul Louis Ginocchio and Lisa Lynn Chase; seven grandchildren, Skylar, Connor, Gigi, Gray, Sloane, AvaMarie and Kalina; two sisters, Christine Hendrix and Ann Ryder; and nieces and nephews, Carole, Craig, Cheri, Sandy, Christopher and Carl.
A celebration of life will take place at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Wicomico Parish Church, 5191 Jessie Dupont Memorial Hwy, Wicomico Church, VA 22579 with a reception afterward at the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Peter, please visit our Tree Store.