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MATTHEW JOSEPH "JOE" GANDOLFO

FUNERAL HOME

Gentry-Morrison Cremation Center

1805 US 98 South

Lakeland, Florida

MATTHEW GANDOLFO Obituary

MATTHEW JOSEPH
'JOE' GANDOLFO,
PH.D., 78

LAKELAND - Matthew Joseph Gandolfo, Ph.D., age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2015, due to advanced stage cancer. Joe, as he was known by, was born in Richmond, Kentucky on March 13, 1936.
Joe was first recognized as one of the top life insurance salesman in the country, earning one of the highest honors in the industry by becoming a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table in 1963. He later became a nationally known authority on income, estate and gift tax planning matters. He was a popular and frequently sought out motivational speaker at events across the US and author of several books. He has appeared on CNNfn, CBN's '700 Club' and Eternal World Television Network. He has also been a guest on hundreds of syndicated radio and television programs nationwide. Joe had a passion and enduring love for work until the day he died. He was also a life-long aficionado of the sport of tennis who played regularly and often sponsored events, including the Junior Vet tournament at the U.S. Open.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; his two brothers, George and Tommy Gandolfo; and his sister, Carmela Reda. Joe also has three children, Mike Gandolfo, Diane Bekemeyer, and Donna Peterich; and six grandchildren, Ashley and Amy Brasovan, Katie and Cody Bekemeyer, Anna and Joseph Gandolfo.
A Catholic funeral Mass in celebration of Joe's life will be held at The Church of the Resurrection at 11am on Saturday, March 7th. A reception will be following immediately after the Mass at the church.
Joe was a dedicated philanthropist that touched many lives, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joe's name to either The Church of the Resurrection or St. John Neumann's local parishes in Lakeland, Florida. Condolences to the family may be given at: www.gentry-morrison.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Ledger from Mar. 2 to Mar. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for MATTHEW GANDOLFO

14 Entries

August 29, 2015

I was so sad to learn of Joe's passing today. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and all of the people's lives he touched. I worked for him for 121/2 years and learned a lot about so many things.
Kim Aldridge

July 28, 2015

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Joe Gandolfo. As a young Vet starting out in the life ins business in 1970, Joe changed my life. I remember calling him at 5:30 in the morning from RI and he answered the phone and spoke at length with me. When my wife Angela and I went to Fl in 1990 we stopped in unannounced and he came out eating an apple and talked with us quite a while. He was as large in life as Babe Ruth , a real champion . Thank you so much Joe for helping this kid along. You made a difference for my family and myself.

God bless to your family and peace.

Respectfully,

Jim B Speights
Narragansett, R.I.

July 28, 2015

Just recently I found out that Jo

irwin Cohen

May 21, 2015

I never met Joe but his speeches and books were life change for me rest in peace

Red McFadden

March 16, 2015

Just found out that My Business on Tax and legal matters and go to person for over 35 years has passed on. Sorry and I will miss his personality and friendship. God's got one of the Best with him now.
Red McFadden South Haven,Michigan

Paperback Finder

March 11, 2015

I read stranger Joe's first book by accident and it change me. 7 years later, he answered the phone before breakfast but I hung up. Tonight, I decided to Google and thank him in words for the influence that's ridden with me when the alarm clock sounds for 28 years and still going strong. What riches he shared to a stranger, are passed to more strangers. It was on my bucket list to someday meet the man.

Mae McDonnell

March 5, 2015

My sympathy to the family of Mr. Gandolflio's . May he now rest in the arms of our Lord.

Sophia Askew-Curtis

March 3, 2015

I used to work for Joe when his office was on S. Florida St. and used to babysit his children when him and Carol would be out of town on tennis events. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Bill Black

March 3, 2015

Joe was a significant influence in my life and our business lives spanned the last 35+ years. He will be missed.

Jerry

March 2, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

Lynn Ehlis Northrup

March 2, 2015

I worked for Joe when his office was on the corner and Beacon and S. Florida. He was a fascinating man and thought of by so many. He is leaving a void in Lakeland. To his family - I hope that Joe will always be in your hearts - he loved his family.

John Wagner

March 2, 2015

As a mentor to me as a young man in the seventies Joe was the single greatest inluence on my sales career first in real estate and later in the securities and seminar businesses. I was looking forward to seeing him again as I did every year as a featured speaker at the International Money Show in Orlando next week.

I am stunned and saddened by his death but he will be of ever honored memory to me. Thank you Joe for your enormous impact on my life

Robert Gibbs

March 2, 2015

I enjoyed knowing Joe and working on estate matters.

Ed McMullen Sr

March 2, 2015

Joe was a special man,a friend ,and mentor. We started in the life insurance business together in Lakeland in 1963 and shared many good times and competitive times over the many years. He will be missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Carol and the family.ED McMullen Sr

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