The Fort Lauderdale City Commission adopted an “Expression of Sympathy,” recognizing Pio Ieraci’s many achievements and contributions to the city of Fort Lauderdale. Click here to read a copy of the resolution.   District 1 City Commissioner Heather Moraitis “presented the Ieraci family with an ‘Expression of Sympathy’ from the City of Fort Lauderdale, but no words can truly express the grief we feel over losing such a wonderful community leader. Rest in peace, Pio.”  Click here to read the Expression of Sympathy.

Pio Ieraci was born on January 10, 1962 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Francesco and Marcella (Colini) Ieraci. In 1985, Pio married the love of his life, Lisa. He had two wonderful children, Daniel and Alessia. Pio was devoted to his family and to God.

He moved to Florida over 30 years ago. Pio started fresh but quickly found success and founded International Property Investments Corp. in 1993. Pio was a civic leader and active in his community. He was appointed to the City of Fort Lauderdale Education Advisory Board, served as the Chairman of the South Florida Business Advisors, Inc., and Chairman of the Broward Beach Coalition. Thanks in part to his tireless efforts the beach renourishment project was completed after over a decade of perseverance. In addition, Pio served as the Chairman of the President’s Council and President of the Galt Mile Community Association. He has also served as the President of the Galt Ocean Club Condominium Association for over 20 years and became a Licensed Community Association Manager.

Pio had a passion for music. He also loved to play tennis and spend time on the water with friends and family. He was known for his drive, perseverance and commitment to his community. Pio will be remembered for his tireless efforts to better the greater Fort Lauderdale area, his charismatic personality, ability to befriend anyone, and his boundless love for his family.

Pio was preceded in death by his father, Frank. He is survived by his mother, Marcy, his wife, Lisa, his son and daughter, Daniel and Alessia, his brothers, Rocky (Carol), and Frank (Michelle), his mother and father-in-law Maria and Rocco Pozzuoli, his brothers-in law Frank (Alice) Pozzuoli and Mauro (Sue) Pozzuoli, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on December 29th, 2020 at St. John the Baptist.

Memorial Comments on the Passing of Pio Ieraci

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis:  Sorry to hear of the passing of Pio Ieraci.  For three decades, he was a passionate voice for the interest of the Galt Ocean Mile area. He was a true community leader

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Heather Moraitis:  Fort Lauderdale lost a great leader. Pio Ieraci loved his wife, his children, and this city. He had a contagious level of commitment and charism that was unmatched. He served over 30 years as the president of the Galt Mile Community Association and he never let go of an issue he championed, even if it took a decade to resolve.  Pio defined perseverance and passion and I will be forever grateful for his friendship and leadership. I learned invaluable lessons as I worked with Pio on issues important to the Galt and on issues important to his neighborhood in District 1. The City of Fort Lauderdale is a better place because of Pio Ieraci.

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Steve Glassman:  Devastating news. My heart goes out to the family for their loss – a loss shared by the entire Community. Pio was a man of so many accomplishments and worked tirelessly for those he represented. He deserves to rest in peace.

Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher:  I’m still in shock and disbelief over the passing of my dear friend Pio Ieraci, a true pillar of the Fort Lauderdale community. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, and all of the Galt Mile Condominium Association residents. Pío will certainly be missed.

State Representative Chip LaMarca:  A dear friend of ours and thousands of Galt Mile residents has died. Pio Ieraci was active and successful in so many issues from beach renourishment to condo safety. This is just not right. Please pray for his wife Lisa and the kids.

The Galt Mile Community is saddened to announce the passing of our President, Pio Ieraci.  Presiding over Galt Mile meetings and issues for the past 30 years, Pio was totally committed to the Galt Mile. His leadership made the Galt Mile community one of the most powerful neighborhood associations in Fort Lauderdale, and a powerful voice on county and state issues.  He also served as president of the Galt Ocean Club. 

The members of the Galt Mile Community Association and neighbors mourn the loss of this great man, who did so much over the past 30 years.  He will be sorely missed by all who know him. 

FORT LAUDERDALE — A powerful Fort Lauderdale beachfront community has lost its charismatic leader with the eagle eye for detail and the “force of nature” to get things done.

Pio Ieraci, longtime president of the Galt Mile Community Association, died early Sunday, December 20 from COVID-19, city officials confirmed. He was 58. “He was on a ventilator for 14 days,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said. “It’s a terrible shock to the community. It’s a real loss. Our heart goes out to his family.”Ieraci spent 30 years as president of the Galt Mile Community Association representing the interests of 30 oceanfront condos and 16,000 residents. A stickler for details, the Canadian-born Ieraci was a unique blend of businessman, family man, diplomat and village shaman, according to his bio on the association’s website.

Vice Mayor Steve Glassman, who became fast friends with Ieraci after meeting him 20 years ago, was reeling from the news of his death.  “I’m in shock,” Glassman said. “He’s been president of the Galt Mile Association forever. He’s been such a force of nature when it comes to community activism. He’s so involved and so caring, always out there and so involved. And a strong advocate for protecting the barrier island.”

Fred Nesbitt, director and treasurer of the Galt Mile Community Association, said he was devastated by the news.  “I still don’t believe it,” he said. “It was like taking a punch in the head this morning when I heard this. He’s been so much a part of us forever. Pio is the Galt.” Ieraci was a natural leader whose shoes are going to be impossible to fill, Nesbitt said. “He had a wonderful personality,” Nesbitt said. “He had charisma. He knew everyone. And he had the leadership skills to get things done. When he said he was going to do something, he did it. He got it done.”

Glassman described Ieraci as an organized and well-connected mover and shaker who was able to take local issues to the state level. “He did a great job working with our state legislators,” Glassman said. “I always thought of him as such a fit guy who took care of himself. I knew he was sick and I knew he was in the hospital. But I thought he was getting better. This is shocking to me. Shocking.”

Broward Commissioner Lamer Fisher said he immediately hit it off with Ieraci when the two met for coffee three years ago to discuss Fisher’s run for county office.  “He became a true friend,” Fisher said.  “I got the call this morning and I just couldn’t believe it.  He was so fit.  He was always exercising and eating right.  Always looked like a million dollars, no matter what he was wearing.  It just goes to show this disease is relentless.”

Ieraci, a real estate broker, owned his own company, International Property Investments Corp.  He leaves behind a wife, son and daughter. Ieraci would have been 59 on Jan 10.

Obituary, Sun-Sentinel, by Susannah Bryan