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John GIGICON Obituary

GIGICON, John Nicholas known during his TV days as John Paul, died of cancer on December 13, 2017 at the age of 77. The only child of Nicholas and Sandra, John graduated from the University of Arizona and began law school, but left to help his mother when his father died. John was incredibly devoted to his mother throughout her long life. His Greek heritage was very important to him, as was his large extended family. John worked in TV news in Tucson, both at KOLD Channel 13, where he was a reporter and then news director, and at KGUN Channel 9, where he was a weatherman. He was often stopped when out and about by people wanting to express their fandom. Unfailingly polite and friendly, he would always say, "That's good to hear! You and my mother, that makes two fans!" He even once let a viewer test for herself whether his famous head of hair was a toupee (it wasn't). His days in TV news provided him with a chance to meet thousands of people, some famous and influential, some regular folks. He loved connecting with people and treated everyone with the same respect and interest. He had the rare quality of genuine curiosity, which made him such an effective reporter and communicator. John held a variety of advertising jobs, and was especially proud of being one of the first admen to work on promoting the all volunteer Army after the end of the Vietnam war. In later life, he taught traffic school, and with his charming personality managed to turn what people expected to be a dreary day into something entertaining, enjoyable, and educational. He was a deep thinker, a fountain of knowledge on many subjects, and a natural teacher. He loved to explain things and was endlessly patient. John never met a stranger. He had the best, booming laugh. For years his license plate read "MPATHY," and he was a person who felt things deeply. He seemed at his happiest when holding court with the people he loved, recounting a story or sharing a laugh, and when he had that twinkle in his eye and shone the light of his attention on you, there was no better feeling in the world. He touched many lives. A prayer service is scheduled for John on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. Lebanon, PA. John is survived by his daughter, Nicole Meade, her children, Alicia, Ethan, Owen, and Arlo; as well as nine first cousins, and his friends, including John Priecko of Virginia and Roland Arellano of Tucson. In lieu of donations or flowers, to honor his life, spend some time with the people you love, and really pay attention. Be curious about them. Shine your light on them. If you knew John Paul, share a story about him. He would get a kick out of that. Vaya con Dios, Dad. Se agapo. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 24, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for John GIGICON

Sponsored by Nicole Meade.

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I lived next door to John when I was young. Nicole and I had sleep overs. I remember his kind eyes and the smell of cherry Tobacco

Ronell Davis Fain

January 20, 2021

Thinking of you today, Dad. Happy birthday. XO Nicole

September 27, 2019

I just learned of JP's passing, which leaves another empty hole in my heart. A dear friend and mentor without who's encouragement would have had me leaving the media business decades ago. A sweet, kind, graceful and loving man and virtually all who knew him carry a small piece of him with them. Godspeed, JP..come back soon!

Chuck Duncan

June 18, 2019

I barely learned today about the passing of John Paul. I met him when I was about 9 years old when he came to Sells, Arizona and made an appearance at event held at Baboquivari High School. He was surrounded by his young Tohono O'odham Fans and gave each of us an autographed business card, which I have still.

Andy Pasqual

December 23, 2018

My most sincere sympathy to Nicole Meade and John Paul's entire family and friends. I was a young(29 yrs old) Army captain in 1972 when I first met John Paul. I was assigned to the Northern California U.S. Army Recruiting headquarters in Alameda, CA and John Paul was the on-site representative for the advertising agency. John Paul and I had some wonderful times along with John Paul's primary contact in our office, Gil Hogue. I was one of only 3 people in the office, other than John Paul, that knew his last name was Gigicon. At some point around 1973 or 1974 he moved to Tucson. In December 1974 my first wife, 2 sons and I went to Amarillo for Christmas with her brother who was stationed there. On the way home, after New Year's Day and the implementation of Nixon's mandated 55 mph speed limit, we stopped in Tucson and spent the night with John Paul and, I think, his second wife. Nicole, if you had been born at that time, we probably met though you would have been too young to remember. Through various Army assignments and other life events, I lost contact and way back then we didn't have the internet to search for people. Something today made me remember John Paul and all the good times and now we have the internet. I am saddened to learn of his passing but he was an awesome person and friend.

Steve Russell

October 4, 2018

This is late in coming as I just heard about John's passing. We worked together at KOLD-TV in the mid to late 60s and became close friends. I was honored that he asked me to be his best man at his first wedding. Unfortunately we lost touch over the years and that saddens me even more than his passing, for now he as at peace and rest. I echo the sentiments of those who have posted their memories of John here. As a your friend, the love that John exhibited toward you was real and palpable. You knew he was truly interested in you and your life. He possessed the quickest wit you could imagine and I reveled in and laughed at his rat-a-tat banter and repartee. He was my dear friend and I will always miss him. My deepest condolences to his family.

Harry West

June 8, 2018

My deepest sympathy to Nicole,the family and all aboard,
I'm impacted by John through his early years as a Boy Scout.
I recently purchase his Scout graduation certificate from the 50's and a neckerchief slide an utencils. Im proud to then be able to display these items and include the history associated with John and his life story, a legacy that many will be able to view. On behalf of troop 412 our condolences to the family.

Todd Mosko

January 17, 2018

I knew JP via the advertising business stretching back to the 70's. He always displayed a unique sense of humor and positive attitude no matter the situation. It was always a pleasure to connect with him. Rest in peace John.

Michael Bolchalk

Friend

January 13, 2018

I met JP on a field trip in 6th grade to the KGUN9 station. It wasn't long before we started talking about weather and how the broadcast works. Weeks later I had sent a thank you note and was invited back on the weekends to help put the 5:00pm and 10:00pm weather segments together. He very quickly became a close friend of the family and would join us for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with his mother. Fast forward 15 years and I ran into him again as a defensive driving instructor and despite the friendship, I had to sit through the entire day of class. JP was a great friend and only made my love for weather that much greater. I was shocked when my mom told me, he was a great guy, so sorry for your loss.

John Carlson

Friend

January 3, 2018

I had the honor of working with J. P. in the defensive driving industry for many years. His experience and ability to effectively communicate with the students in a class were very effective. However, his passion for improving public safety is what made him a great instructor. He was the first instructor I hire when I started my own business. I first knew him as a broadcaster when I worked in police-community relations. J P. taught drfensive driving classes every week for more than 15-years. Always receiving glowing evaluations, he also received dozens of unsolicitated cards and letters thanking him. He will be missed by our family, staff and the community.

Paul Hallums

January 3, 2018

JP hired me at Channel 13 when I was attending the University of Arizona and working at KUAT. Over the years we became the best of friends, always stayed in touch, with great times together and many cherished and lasting memories. Conversations with JP were always a joy, engaging and stimulating. Friends like him are few and far between. I already miss him.

John Priecko

December 31, 2017

Sorry for your loss Nicole. I have memories of working with JP.

December 29, 2017

To the ______ Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

PHOENIX,ARIZONA
Natalie S

December 29, 2017

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Grief can be so hard, but the fond memories you cherish can comfort and sustain you during this time. Matthew 11:28, 29, 30

December 26, 2017

To Family and Friends,
May God comfort your family during this most difficult time of loss and sorrow by giving you peace and strength to endure.
- with heartfelt sympathy

J F

December 26, 2017

I so remember John being on the news in Tucson for years. I first met him at East Lawn when arranging for my parents burial plot. I got to know him even better when we both worked at American Red Cross. He was a special human being and the world is a better place because of him. I am sorry for your loss.

Sandi Frank

December 24, 2017

To the Gigicon Family -
It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially at such a young age. Please find comfort in God's promise found at John 6:40 which says that soon we will see all our loved ones again.
My deepest condolences

December 24, 2017

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