Passing of Ex-Chief/Ex-Commissioner Joseph “Joe” Suozzi

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Suozzi an Ex-Chief and Ex-Commissioner of the department. Joe joined the department in 1968. Serving as Chief from 1983 to 1984. Serving as the 40th Chief of the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

Joseph “Joe” Suozzi, 83 of Indian Shores, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 14 surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on February 12, 1943, in Bronx, New York to Joseph and Catherine Suozzi. He was raised in Yonkers, New York, where he developed the outgoing personality and strong sense of community that would define his life. He attended Siena College before beginning a distinguished career with New York Telephone (later NYNEX). Over the course of his career, he held several positions within the company, ultimately retiring in 1996 after serving in Workplace Safety.

While Joe was dedicated to his profession, his greatest passion was serving others. For many years, he was an active member of the Golden’s Bridge Volunteer Fire Department, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including Chief and Fire Commissioner. He
believed deeply in giving back to his community and led by example through his commitment, integrity, and compassion.

Following retirement Joe and his beloved wife Gail made Indian Shores, Florida, their home. Retirement did not slow his desire to serve others. He generously volunteered his time with the Ronald McDonald House and Pinellas Hope, continuing a lifetime dedicated to helping those in need. Joe was also a dedicated parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church in Seminole, Florida where he served as an usher during Sunday morning mass.

Joe shared an extraordinary love story with his high school sweetheart, Gail (Connolly) Suozzi. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service, celebrating 63 wonderful years of marriage.

He was a devoted father to Cathy Seale and her husband, Ed; Joe “Joe Joe” Suozzi and his
wife, Mikiko; and Jimmy Suozzi and his wife, Mary. He was an incredibly proud grandfather to Amanda Seale-Gerety and her husband, Conor; Catherine Gillman and her husband, Ross; Aidan Suozzi; and Emmaline Suozzi. Joe is also survived by his loving siblings, Carolyn Casella, John Suozzi, Rick Suozzi, and Rob Suozzi, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

Anyone fortunate enough to know Joe understood that he possessed a rare gift: he could make an instant connection with anyone he met. Whether it was through a warm smile, a quick joke, or genuine interest in another person’s story, Joe had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome and valued. He could light up a room within minutes, turning strangers into friends with remarkable ease. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to community service left an enduring mark on every life he touched.