Angelo Giarrusso

Angelo Giarrusso, age 69, passed away suddenly on May 23, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a space in their lives that can never truly be filled.

Born in Vieste, Italy, Angelo immigrated to the United States with his family in 1966 and settled in Johnston, Rhode Island. He graduated from Johnston High School, where he was known as a standout soccer player whose talent and love for the game remained part of him throughout his life. He went on to proudly serve his country for 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. His service reflected the qualities that defined him throughout his life: loyalty, dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

Angelo shared 45 years of marriage with the love of his life, Susan (Trivette) Giarrusso. Together they raised four children: Malina Blankenship (Melanie), Katrina Childers (Matthew), Antonio Giarrusso (April), and Rosetta Bise. He loved his children fiercely and completely and there was never any doubt that his family was the center of his world.

Of all the roles he carried in life, the one he treasured most was being “Nonno.” Nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren: Luca Childers, Jacob Blankenship, Ari Blankenship, and Willow Blankenship. Whether cheering them on, making them laugh, or simply being near them, he loved them with his whole heart.

Angelo believed in showing up for the people he loved. He served as Cubmaster for Antonio’s troop, coached soccer for his own children, and volunteered as a coach long before becoming a father himself. He opened up his home as a foster parent because helping children and caring for others simply came naturally to him.

He also fulfilled a lifelong dream when he opened Angelo’s Main Street Café, where he shared not only meals, but conversation, laughter, and community. He was a faithful member of Little Doe Baptist Church and an incredibly devoted fan of the New England Patriots, proudly supporting them through every season.

He is survived by his mother, Michela Giarrusso; his siblings, Lina Giarrusso, Rosa Norberg (Mark), Anna Giarrusso, Maria Burgess (Dennis), and Frank Giarrusso and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Giarrusso.

Angelo struggled with chronic illness over the last several years, but through it all, his love for his family never wavered. He was not a perfect man, and he never pretended to be. But he was loving, present, protective, funny, stubborn, generous, and deeply human. To his children, he was the best father they could have asked for.

His family will remember the sacrifices he made, the lessons he taught, the laughter he brought into a room, and the way he loved them without hesitation. Though their hearts are broken by this sudden loss, they are forever grateful that he was theirs.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Little Doe Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Marty Trivette officiating. The graveside service and burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jacob Blankenship, Leon Odom, Zackary Trivette, Carl Farmer, Frank Giarrusso, and William Bain. Honorary pallbearers are Albert Perkins and Terry Potter.

The family of Angelo Giarrusso has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.