Beloved Florida Veteran John Cagnina Passes Away at 81, Celebrated in July

Holmes Beach, Florida, USA - In a heartfelt farewell to a cherished member of the community, John B. Cagnina, 81, passed away on May 31, 2025, in Holmes Beach, Florida. Born on September 16, 1943, in Tampa, Cagnina was a lifelong resident of Florida, particularly fond of the tranquil charm of Anna Maria Island. He grew up immersed in the simple pleasures of life, from fishing with friends to working at his family’s IGA store, and engaging in spirited games of baseball and football.

After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in business administration, Cagnina took on various roles throughout his diverse career. He dedicated six years to serving in the Florida Army National Guard, an organization that plays a critical role in national security by maintaining combat readiness for federal military operations. While peacetime missions for the Florida Army National Guard include training and humanitarian operations, it has demonstrated its capacity to respond swiftly during conflicts, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, per DMA Florida.

A Life of Service and Achievement

Cagnina’s professional journey was just as varied. He made his mark as a sales representative for the Kellogg Company and later ventured into finance as a stockbroker with Francis I. duPont and Company. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he founded Southeast Independent Mortgage Company, where he worked as a licensed mortgage broker. Alongside his professional life, Cagnina enjoyed delving into financial, historical, and political literature, combining his interests into a lifelong quest for knowledge.

Family was at the heart of Cagnina’s life. He shared a special bond with his wife, Carol Gilley-Cagnina, and was a proud father and uncle. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his son John Michael Cagnina and his parents Ignazio E. and Josephine Cagnina. Despite these losses, he leaves behind a loving family, including his sister Carmen Shea and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He loved to watch sports, particularly supporting the Florida Gators, and cherished time spent vacationing in Montana and New England.

Remembering a Community Pillar

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for July 26, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Ginny and Jane E’s in Anna Maria, providing an opportunity for friends and family to honor Cagnina’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Center of Anna Maria Island, reflecting Cagnina’s commitment to his community. His arrangements are being handled by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, known for their compassionate service on the island.

Cagnina’s legacy extends far beyond his professional achievements and family ties. It resonates with the values of service and dedication that he exemplified during his time in the Florida Army National Guard, a branch that has been pivotal to U.S. military history, as outlined by the National Archives. With his passing, Anna Maria Island has lost a beloved figure—a man who did a good deal for his community and supported those around him.