Michael “Mike” Charles Iannone
1939 – 2014

Michael Charles “Mike” Iannone, 75, a native of Pensacola passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital on December 31, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sydney Robert Iannone, Master Chief, U.S. Navy and Elizabeth Betty Howes, a Pensacola socialite, maternal grandmother, Jewel Blanche Warren Howes and loving Aunt “A” Adeline Iannone Hutchison.
He is survived by one daughter, Kathi Paige Iannone and two grandsons, Bricen Iannone and Gracen Godwin to which he was “Poppy”.
In his senior year at Pensacola High School, he was a popular radio announcer and disc jockey providing “sock hops” for WNVY Radio. He also played a major part in introducing “Rock n Roll” to Pensacola in 1958. He was a well-respected master of ceremonies for many events. He had his own music program comically termed “Prince Michael’s Platter Place.” While being the MC for a country music show he met an up and coming rock singer, Elvis Presley.
He was drafted into the US Army and assigned to Armed Forces Radio in New York City working as an announcer, writer, and producer during the Berlin Crisis/Cuban Missile Crisis. At night, Mike worked for NBC Television on “The Tonight Show”.
After his military service, he worked 16 years at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department in numerous positions and implemented programs. He then found success in the resort real estate business where he became a highly productive sales person, manager, director, and national sales trainer. He graduated from Pensacola Junior College, University of West Florida, and obtained a Doctorate of Management and Administration from Florida State University.
He lived a full and productive life and will be placed in the columbarium at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors. In 1998, he reaffirmed his faith and became a new creation in Christ. He found forgiveness and family at Olive Baptist Church for many years where he was saved and baptized.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 (NASB) “then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.” He was cremated and will be returned to God’s earth in two scattering events, a family kayaking trip and another to his favorite lighthouse.
The family would like to express with great gratitude many who have come in our path unwavering support and particularly to Stephen Bast, PA-C/Dr. Gary Gotthelf, M.D., and Dr. F. James Fleischhauer of Cardiology Consultants, and both office staff during his illness especially in the last three years.
A memorial service will be held at his home, 348 San Carlos Road, Cantonment, FL 32533, on Saturday, January 10th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We will share memories, visit and enjoy a potluck dinner-all of which he loved. Saturday would have been his 76th birthday. Please come visit and celebrate his life!
In lieu of flowers, please give to Olive Baptist Church in his name in the area of your choice. Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.