44°
RYE, N.Y. Charles P. Cirone, the former head groundskeeper at Rye Playland, died Friday, Aug. 10. He was 93.
Known to his friends as "Charlie," Cirone was born and raised in Port Chester. He worked at Playland Amusement Park in Rye for 33 years, maintaining the park's renowned gardens.
After moving to Deltona, Fla., in 1973, Cirone worked at the Medical Arts building for 12 years as the groundskeeper. Gardening was his passion, family said, whether for others or in his own backyard. Cirone was also an avid golfer at Deltona Country Club in the 1970s.
During World War II, Cirone served as a tank commander in Company D of the Army's 757th Tank Battalion, earning the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service on the Fifth Army front in Italy in 1944. He spent five years in the Army, serving under Gen. George Patton in Africa and Italy.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ann; and a large extended family in Florida and Connecticut, including "his kids," a nephew, Joe DeBartolo, and three nieces, Debra Hayes, Jodi O'Connell and Mary DeBartolo.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Rye and receive free news updates.
