Saying Goodbye to a Titan

Naples turned out en masse on Friday afternoon to honor and remember a favorite son. John Passidomo, a longtime real estate attorney and civic leader, died April 3 at age 72, after a tragic fall sustained while hiking in the mountains of Utah with his wife Kathleen. 

Approximately 1,000 people thronged Baker Park near downtown Naples for a celebration of life, filling massive canopies set up by Hodges Funeral Home to accommodate the crowd. The assemblage included a large portion of the leading citizens of Naples and Southwest Florida, from United States Senator Rick Scott to Marco Island City Manager Mike McNees. 

It seemed that everyone in attendance had been touched personally by Passidomo, a testament to the integrity, positivity and energy he brought to everything he did. A long, long line of people waited in the sunshine to spend a few moments with Kathleen, and the couple’s three daughters, Catarina, Gabriella, and Francesca. With so many wanting to express their support and love, only those who arrived before the scheduled start time were able to reach the tent where the Passidomo family stood accepting condolences before ushers signaled everyone to take a seat under the open-air canopies.

John Passidomo, a former vice mayor and city councilman in Naples, and Kathleen, who is the current president of the Florida Senate, were described as “the ultimate Naples power couple,” but over and over, speakers at the podium and well-wishers in the crowd kept referring to John’s personal warmth, upbeat demeanor, his integrity and seemingly perpetual beaming smile. 

Former State Senator Garrett Richter said “John Passidomo had the most magnetic and contagious smile” of anyone he ever met. Richter wrote a poem to commemorate his friend, including the lines, “John had a smile as big as the moon, wherever he went he would light up the room. To Kathleen and John, we all share your pain; Our loss is heaven’s gain.” 

McNees, who worked with John Passidomo during McNees previous sojourn in Collier County in the 1980s, said “This gathering speaks pretty clearly, a testament to a lot of respect. He’s the kind of guy who is the fabric of this community.” 

As an attorney, John Passidomo played a role in virtually every major development project in Naples over the last 40 years. He was instrumental in the redevelopment of Fifth Avenue, and a baker’s dozen of downtown restaurants offered specials, priority seating and contributions in his honor on April 26.

Retired MICMS Principal George Abounader and wife Cindy Love-Abounader, President and CEO of the YMCA of Collier County, stepped up to give hugs to Kathleen Passidomo, noting that both he and John went to Boston College, and they had known each other since the 1980s.

Ed Cheffy, John’s longtime law partner – the two met at the firm of Frost and Jacobs before striking out on their own together and worked together for nearly 40 years – eulogized his partner and friend. 

“What an incredible tribute to John that all of you are here. The outpouring of love and support has been extraordinary. Your presence honors John and comforts his family.” Cheffy noted that while John achieved great professional success and garnered numerous awards, first and foremost came his “absolute devotion to Kathleen and their three daughters.”

Passidomo’s siblings Peter, Paul, Laura, and Janet were in attendance, and Peter also spoke to the group, offering his reminiscences of the brother they called “J.” 

Architect Matthew Kragh, Pastor Alan Brumback, and author and broadcaster Father Michael Orsi took turns speaking before Kathleen Passidomo briefly took the mic.

“I’m kind of in a fog,” she said. “I would invite you all back to the house, but I’m not equipped to do the miracle of loaves and fishes.” Actually, hors d’oeuvres, fruit, cookies and an open bar were provided for all attendees right at Baker Park. 

A funeral mass in John’s honor was held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Naples the next day. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John Passidomo Donor Advised Fund at the Collier Community Foundation.