WHEREAS, John Mario Voccola was born in Providence on September 5, 1921 as the oldest son of Ernesto Voccola and Theresa (Calvino) Voccola; and
WHEREAS, John joined the National Guard in 1937 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942; he was stationed in the Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1946. That same year he married Ida Marie Maffei. Together, John and Ida had four children, Donna, Associate Family Court Justice Kathleen, John Jr., and Michael. His dear wife of almost 60 years died in 2006; and
WHEREAS, John owned and operated Federal Auto Body in Providence for decades and retired in the late 1970s to concentrate on real estate development. John developed office building and multi-family complexes including a number of homes for naval personnel in Quonset Point and extensive historic renovations on Providence's Broadway; and
WHEREAS, John was elected to the Cranston City Council in 1958 and served five terms in what was then Cranston's Ward 4. He also served as President of the Alpine Country Club, and continues to enjoy his charter member standing; and
WHEREAS, In 1998 John also served as Vice Commander of Auburn Post 20 of the American Legion and was elected Commander in 2000, where he commenced a full renovation of the Post and increased its membership four-fold. John went on to secure a US Army battle tank for display in the Johnston Memorial Park where it sits today; and
WHEREAS, on September 5, John celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by his family and friends;
Now, Therefore, Do I, Angel Taveras,
Mayor of the City of Providence,
Hereby Proclaim Sunday, September 11, 2011
John Mario Voccola Day in the City of Providence