John B. Cagnina, 81, of Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025. Born on September 16, 1943 in Tampa, Florida, John was a lifelong Floridian whose life was marked by his faith, integrity, and love for family, friends and community.
John grew up on Anna Maria Island where he spent his childhood years fishing, working at his family's IGA store, playing baseball and football and enjoying the freedoms of living on a relatively undeveloped island. The tranquility of beach life suited him and Anna Maria Island remained his lifelong home.
Following graduation from the University of Florida where he earned a degree in business administration, John proudly served in the Florida Army National Guard for six years. His professional journey included working as a sales representative with the Kellogg Company, as a stockbroker with Francis I. duPont and Company, and opening a citrus company. After four years in the citrus business, he pursued his interest in real estate finance, becoming a licensed mortgage broker and founding Southeast Independent Mortgage Company, where he spent the majority of his working career.
An avid reader John enjoyed reading financial, historical and political publications. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, vacationing in Montana and New England, watching sports, and cheering on his beloved Gators.
John was preceded in death by his son, John Michael Cagnina, and his parents, Ignazio E. and Josephine Cagnina.
John is survived by his wife, Carol Gilley-Cagnina; sister, Carmen Shea (Bill); sister-in-law, Dorothy Surette; his aunt, Josie Pollock; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 3:00 at Ginny and Jane E's in Anna Maria. John will be remembered as a man of integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he helped create.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Center of Anna Maria Island.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
