WINTER HAVEN - Joseph Leonard Ciufo, 89, passed away on October 15, 2009 in Auburndale, FL due to heart failure.

Mr. Ciufo was born July 26, 1920 in Utica, NY to Leonard Ciufo and Francis Supina Ciufo, immigrants from TUFFO Minturo, Province of Caserta, Italy.

He graduated from Rockland State Hospital, NY in 1943 as a registered nurse. He served in the U.S. Maritime Service as a Pharmacist Mate during WW II.

During 30 years of government service, Joe was sent for training as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist to John Hopkins Hospital School of Anesthesia. He was the first male nurse to enter and graduated the program in 1953. After retirement from Perry Point VA Hospital, Perry Point, MD, he worked at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, MD and Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

The last 21 years he resided in the community of Hidden Golf Club where he was a charter member of the Lake Henry Golf Assn. At Lake Henry in Winter Haven, FL. He worked as a golf course ranger and pro shop employee at the Lake Henry Pro Shop.

Joe was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Ocean City, MD, Council # 9056; a member of American Legion post # 8 (Frierson/Nichols), Winter Haven, FL and attended St Ann Catholic Church in Haines City, FL

Mr. Ciufo is survived by his wife, Phyllis Sheppard Ciufo, Winter Haven; brother, Nicholas Ciufo, Utica, NY; sons, Leonard Ciufo and wife Marilyn, Havre de Grace, MD, Joseph J. Ciufo and wife Mary Jane, Bel Air, MD; daughters, Frances Soles, Mauldin, SC, Dolores Ciufo, Towson, MD, and Deborah Smith, Parkville, MD; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Interment to be at Gardens of Faith Memorial Gardens in Baltimore, MD.

Donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823.