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John Passidomo, a prominent real estate attorney and husband of Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, tragically passed away on Wednesday in a hiking accident at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

The devastating news was confirmed in a memorandum by Senate President Pro Tempore Dennis Baxley, R-Lady Lake.

"The President has lost the love of her life, and is absolutely devastated by this sudden and unexpected accident," Baxley wrote.

John Passidomo Succumbs to Injuries from Tragic Fall

John Passidomo, 72, was airlifted to a regional trauma center after suffering massive head trauma and other serious injuries from a tragic fall while hiking with his wife.

Despite the efforts of medical teams, it was determined that he would not survive his severe injuries.

Following this devastating information, Passidomo's family swiftly traveled to Utah to be by his side. With Florida's Senate President and their three daughters present, Passidomo passed away peacefully at 3:21 p.m. EDT.

The Passidomos, who met as law school sweethearts at Stetson University Law School in 1979, were on a trip to visit the Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

"The trip to visit several national parks in Utah was one of many great adventures they shared during five decades together," the memorandum read.

John and Kathleen were looking forward to their supposedly 45th anniversary in September.

"The outpouring of love, support, and kind words about John is so comforting. Thank you. The girls and I are taking time to grieve as a family," Kathleen Passidomo wrote in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), along with their "last photo from a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure."

The memorandum described Passidomo as "very fit and active, with overall excellent health at age 72."

Who is John Passidomo?

John Passidomo had a distinguished career in real estate law, serving as a partner in charge of Florida real estate for Frost & Jacobs from 1985 to 1993.

His expertise encompassed real estate development and transactions, as well as zoning and land use law, according to his Martindale bio.

John Passidomo was born in 1952 in White Plains, New York. He pursued his higher education at Boston College, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy.

Passidomo then attended Stetson University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Passidomo became a Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer through the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Throughout his career, Passidomo achieved notable recognition for his legal acumen.

He was honored as one of the Wall Street Journal's Top Attorneys in Florida and also recognized as a Corporate Counsel Top Lawyer.

Additionally, Passidomo earned acclaim as one of The American Lawyer/National Law Journal's Top Lawyers. In 2014, he was named Best Lawyers' Lawyer of the Year, among others.

Apart from his legal career, Passidomo held various political and community roles in Naples and Collier County.

He served as vice mayor of Naples, chairman of the Economic Development Council of Collier County, and chairman of the Community Foundation of Collier County, among others.

In the wake of his passing, Passidomo's organ donation has provided a life-saving gift to several families, according to Baxley's memo.

Baxley also emphasized that the Senate president and her family are taking solace in this act of generosity amidst their profound loss.

Funeral arrangements for Passidomo are pending, as the family and community mourn the loss of a beloved figure in Florida's legal and political landscape.

His legacy as a devoted family man, accomplished attorney, and community leader will endure in the hearts of those who knew him.