Remembering Magistrate Judge John Gargiulo
U.S Magistrate Judge John Gargiulo was laid to rest today in Gulfport. He passed away October 3rd at the age of 54 due to pancreatic cancer.
Terese Gargiulo Evans, Judge Gargiulo’s sister, said, “John always was born to serve. I think that was in his DNA. He really enjoyed his work and he really enjoyed his family. He’s gone too soon.”
Many gathered at Judge Gargiulo’s funeral in Gulfport to say their final farewells. Gargiulo served as U.S. Magistrate judge for seven years. District Judge Sul Ozerden said, “I think he would like to be remembered as someone who cared about the administration of justice, fair to everyone, impartial, tried to get both sides of every case and render a fair and just resolution.”
District Attorney Crosby Parker said, “We were so blessed to have him in our lives. Not only in his professional positions, but he was an unbelievable mentor to a lot of us. He was always about service above self.”
Gargiulo attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a full military scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1989.
He was commissioned as a military intelligence officer and assigned to the 24th infantry division shortly before deploying with the division into the combat zone during Operation Desert Storm.
He continued service in the National Guard after leaving the active component where he ultimately attained the rank of colonel. Michael Rainey served in the Army National Guard with Judge Gargiulo. “Well, John was an exceptional officer. He was one that would mentor. I was a lieutenant and he was a major when we met. So, he came in and mentored me. I knew I wanted to emulate everything that Colonel Retired Gargiulo did. So, he made me a better officer, better friend, and better dad to my children.”
Michele Gargiulo, Judge Gargiulo’s sister-in-law, said, “I believe that the impact that John made on the community, the state of Mississippi, and our nation will be felt for years to come.”
“Someone that we’re all worse off for not having with us anymore and we’ll all miss him greatly.”
“The Coast is better to have a person like him for the 54 years he was here.”
