Barry Giovanni Accordino

Barry Giovani Accordino, 81, passed away from organ failure due to diabetes on November 3rd, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. Barry was born January 25th, 1942 in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania to parents Nicola Accordino and Viola Yoder.

Barry's best friend from grade school was Virginia (Ginnie) Alice Cawood. She later became his wife. They met in Tucson, Arizona when she was in 6th grade and he in 8th. They married August 5th, 1960, right after Barry graduated from Tucson High School. He had enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1959, before graduation. They left immediately after the wedding for his service in the infantry and airwing at Camp Pendelton, Oceanside, California. Barry served as an advanced ordnance man in the Marine Corps. He served for four years, from 1959 to 1963.

Barry and Ginnie have lived in California, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, and most recently in Rexburg, Idaho. While living in Wyoming, he earned two Bachelor's degrees from Black Hills State College, one in history, and one in Education. He then taught in Special Education for 32 years, mostly in elementary schools.

Barry has been a stalwart member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since he and his family were introduced to and then joined the church in 1973, when he was 31. He was a worthy priesthood holder, and a loving husband and father. Barry is the proud father of 5 children, and grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren (plus 2 on the way). He loved his descendants!

His hobbies included photography, fishing, hunting, gardening, and family history. Barry also served several missions after his retirement, both as an ESL teacher and working in the Family History Center.

Barry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Alice Cawood, children Terry (Susy), Boise, Idaho; Chris (Kort) Black, Rexburg, Idaho; Paul (Dee Dee), St. George, Utah; Wendi (Solomon) Wong, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Mandy Rosendahl, Seattle, Washington. He is preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 700 Park Street, Rexburg, Idaho 83440.  The service is available to view remotely by clicking here.

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