A ‘legacy of service.’ Longtime DA and Biloxi city attorney Cono Caranna dies at 77.
Former Harrison County District Attorney Cono Caranna II died overnight.
“The District Attorney’s office was saddened to learn of the passing of Cono Caranna after his health battles in recent months,” District Attorney Joel Smith said in a statement Friday.
“Cono was a great mentor and friend to me and to many others in our community. He was the epitome of someone who dedicated their life to serving his community and country.”
Caranna, 77, was a decorated Vietnam war veteran, spent a decade as Biloxi City Attorney and was the longest-serving full-time district attorney in South Mississippi, serving for seven terms and 26 years.
“As District Attorney, he was recognized across the State as a leader who helped usher in numerous innovations to our justice system including improved rights and benefits for victims and the formation of sexual assault investigation teams. His legacy of service and his voice for victims and for public safety will echo in our community for years to come,” Smith said.
Former Biloxi Mayor and World War II ace, the late Jerry O’Keefe, said Caranna “was seriously wounded by a sniper’s bullet, which shattered his arm and shoulder. After he was patched up by the field medics, his commanding officer told him to return to an area away from the combat zone and stay there while he recuperated.”
Caranna told the commander that he preferred to stay in the field with his men and, while he recuperated, he was able to continue to serve as company commander until the entire unit completed its assigned missions, O’Keefe said.
“He received conspicuous recognition for bravery and was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service,” O’Keefe said.
After Caranna completed law school at University of Mississippi following his military service, he returned to Biloxi and was appointed city attorney by O’Keefe. He served for 8 years and then served another 4 years under Mayor Gerald Blessey, before being elected district attorney, O’Keefe said.
He is survived by his wife, Judge Margaret Alfonso, children Katie and Cono III, stepdaughter Mandy and his grandchildren.
This story was originally published January 10, 2020 at 11:10 AM.
