Gary Geno Giovannoni, 86, died Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA. Gary was born August 8, 1937 to his loving parents Dena and Geno Giovannoni in Oakdale, CA. He lived his entire life in Oakdale. He met his high school sweetheart, Dorothy, during their sophomore year at OHS, and they married on June 12, 1960.

Together, Gary and Dorothy built their home, raised a family and traveled the world, visiting six of the seven continents together. Gary was an accomplished athlete at Oakdale High, and was awarded an athletic scholarship to play football at the College of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton. He also served his country in the Army/National Guard. Gary was a teacher and coach at Grace Davis High School where he worked for 35 years.

Gary was an outdoorsman and especially enjoyed airplanes, houseboating and camping with his friends and family. He was a builder and a skilled mechanic who loved to work with his hands, and share his knowledge with others. He had a special connection with animals, especially the family dogs. Gary would attend his granddaughter’s activities and cheer her on in the stands at sporting events. To his family and all that knew Gary, his life was an inspiration, and his memory will be a blessing.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his son Vince, his daughter Jenna Miller, and his granddaughter Grace Miller. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 19, at 1 p.m. at the Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 West F Street, Oakdale. Contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to Community Hospice.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

Dec. 13, 2023