Remembering John Iorio - In His Own Words TAMPA (WUSF) - Retired USF English professor John Iorio -father of Tampa's Mayor - died Wednesday after a long bout with cancer. Along with teaching countless students for three decades, the Purple Heart recipient was also known for his quick wit - and his flare for Italian cooking. A memorial service will take place this weekend at USF in Tampa. And from the USF Library's Oral History Project - in his own words - in this remembrance. © Copyright 2013, WUSF