Mr. Garrett V. "Gary" Cagiano

FORT MEADE - Mr. Garrett V. "Gary" Cagiano, affectionately known by many Fort Meade athletes as "Coach Cage," passed away Friday, August 26, 2022 in Lakeland, FL. Mr. Cagiano was born in Netcong, NJ, where he graduated high school in 1961, and then came to Florida where he graduated and received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Tampa, and his Master's Degree from Nova University, and he was the former President of his college fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsolon. Mr. Cagiano moved to Fort Meade from Tampa in 1971 with his wife where they both became longtime educators in Fort Meade, and he was of the Catholic faith. Mr. Cagiano started teaching in Pinecrest, he also taught in Frostproof High School, and at Polk State College, but many of his over 40 combined teaching years were spent at Fort Meade High School. He had a love for education and teaching the youth of Fort Meade, and was a longtime American and City Government teacher as well as a longtime Fort Meade Miner Football and Baseball coach. Hardly no student got through Fort Meade High School without being inspired in some way by Mr. Cagiano. His mild manner and tone, along with his patience and humor made him a favorite of many students. Mr. Cagiano carried his teachings into the field, the Fighting Miner Football Field, and also into the Fort Meade city government, where he was a former Fort Meade Mayor and City Commissioner. Among the many hats Mr. Cagiano wore in life, spending time with his family and grandchildren always took precedence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Rosalie Balzano Cagiano; brother, John and sister, Mary Ann.

Mr. Cagiano is survived by his loving wife, Brenna O'Shea Cagiano; son, Garrett Cagiano and wife Nikki; grandchildren, Caleigh, Ava and Ayden, all of Fort Meade, FL; and his sister, Valerie Tanella, Tampa, FL.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., .Saturday, September 3, 2022 at the First Baptist Church, 307 E. Broadway, Fort Meade. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary with Pastor Kenny Slay officiating. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing, memorial donations may be made to: Fort Meade Athletic Boosters, c/o Fort Meade Middle Senior High School, 700 North Edgewood Drive, Fort Meade, FL .

Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade FL 863-285-8171