JOSEPH PATRICK GIULIANI:  Banker, Musician, Vocalist, Artist

Joseph Patrick Giuliani (Joe), 97, of Seaside Park, NJ, died peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the care of Villa Marie Claire Hospice, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Born in Stamford, CT, on May 10,1927, Joe was the son of the late Arthur and Antoinette (Scorese) Giuliani. Joe resided in Stamford until 1992, when he moved to Seaside Park, NJ, after his retirement.

Joe graduated from Stamford High School in 1945. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for the duration of WWII. As an original crew member, he was assigned to the USS Philippine Sea (CV 47), a new aircraft carrier.

Upon discharge, Joe worked at a local bank for 4 years. During this time he met Rose Marie, who would later become his wife. As Joe recalled, he first saw her walking across the lawn at her home on graduation day, knew he had to meet her, and asked a friend to introduce them. They began a courtship, despite the fact that Joe, a talented singer and musician, was about to leave to tour the country with the Big Bands as a featured vocalist. Although it was difficult, they maintained their courtship during the 3 years he was “on the road.” After that time, Joe decided it was time to leave the music world to settle down with Rose Marie. He then returned to banking, first as a teller, then as a VP and Supervisor of 15 bank branches, ultimately advancing to the position of VP in the Commercial Division of Connecticut National Bank.

During his tenure at the bank, Joe became involved in many business and community activities. He served as President of the Southwestern Chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB). He was a co-founder and President of the State Opera Company, a regional opera company that brought many metropolitan opera stars to perform in Stamford. Joe, together with his wife and children, participated in the Pink Tent Arts Festival at Mill River Park in Stamford for many years. Joe also served as Secretary of the Italian Center of Stamford.

Joe was multi-talented. In addition to being an devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he continued to pursue his love of music by singing in the church choir, and, with encouragement, at many family gatherings. In his 70s, he set up his own home studio and recorded many of the old favorites in his repertoire, reminiscent of his days “on the road” as a crooner. At this time, he also began painting landscapes and was quite accomplished, continuing to paint well into his 90s. Some of his artwork is displayed in the homes of relatives and friends.

Always a true gentleman, Joe earned the respect and friendship of his customers, colleagues, and the community. Joe was the quintessential small town banker.  Family members, in jest, often compared him to George Bailey in the movie It’s A Wonderful Life. He was that kind of guy.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Rose Marie (Ross) Giuliani; his son, Mark Ross Giuliani; and his brother, Alfred F. Giuliani.

Surviving are his daughter, Jody Lynn Rapoport; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Shannon Giuliani; his daughter-in-law, Kim Giuliani; his grandchildren, Trevor, Tyler, Olivia, and Amelia; and his great grandson, Odin. Joe is also survived by his sisters, Frances Giuliani and Barbara Pinelli (Robert).

Joe’s entire family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone at Villa Marie Claire Hospice. While there, Joe received exemplary and compassionate care, and his family was treated with kindness and understanding during the last two months of his life.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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