Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home
Seattle, Washington
May 10, 1930 – Dec 26, 2017 (Age 87)
Survived by his loving wife of 66 years Joann; and 8 children, Jim (Sherry Brummel), Katherine (Dave McCracken), Mary (Ken Wiseman), Leeann (Miron DuPont), Joe (Janet), Birdie Jayne, Tony (Kelly Keith), Diane (John Mott); 24 grand children, 12 great grandchildren, loving niece Susie Raney, and a large extended family. Pre-deceased by parents Dr. August Joseph Ghiglione, and Birdie Chamberlain. Brothers Angelo and August, sister Maybelle Lucas, and infant granddaughter Jessie.
Dad was a life-long resident of Capitol Hill. Born and died at Providence. Schooled at St. Joe's, Seattle Prep, and Seattle U. He and Mom raised their family on Capitol Hill, with brief stints in New Orleans and Yakima for Dad's work. His final 41 years were lived 2 blocks from Seattle Prep. If it takes a village to raise a child, Capitol Hill is country unto itself.
He travelled the world for work and pleasure. Flying over a million miles for Boeing, which earned him two tickets to Europe for his first trip to Italy. Dad was a charter member of the Museum Flight. He loved sharing his passion of all things aviation. If you asked about one of his models, or prints, or pins, his eyes lit up and you were in for a great story. Upon retirement from Boeing in 1993, Dad and Mom began zigzagging across the USA, Canada and Mexico, in their motorhome, visiting friends and family.
Dad had the gift of giving you his undivided attention; you knew you were special. He listened to people. He had strong opinions. He had the best stories. He was our Google source before computers. He was generous with his time, his talent, and if he had some- his money. His treasure was his family. His friends were friends for his lifetime. His heart, and his smile were huge. His eyes twinkled welcome to all. He loved us. We loved him more. We miss him beyond words. Ya' done good kid.
We want to thank the dedicated staff of Swedish Hospital(s) for the care Dad received. His last years were hard fought and Swedish was his winning team. The EMT's and Rescue responders of Fire Station 22 are the best in the city. Thank you 22 for saving Dad more times than we can count. He lived to see his white Christmas dream.
Rosary 3 PM Monday, January 1st
Funeral 11AM Tuesday, January 2nd
Both: St. Joseph Catholic Church
732 18th Ave E, Seattle 98112
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
Dear Joann and Family,
We Sisters of the Holy Names send you our sympathy as we offer prayers for all of you who will miss John so much. May his eternal home in God's Presence overflow with peace and love into all our homes. May you know he is near you often in the time ahead.
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
January 04, 2018 | Spokane, WA
Yes the wonderful twinkle in his eye and his smile.... that is what I will always think of, when I think of your Dad. Your Mom also has the twinkling eyes and smile. The two of them together lit up the Hill. My heart aches and goes out to all of you. I know heaven is even brighter now, if that is possible. Peace to your hearts.
Josie Leahy-Brooks
January 04, 2018 | Arlington, WA | Neighbor
I only met your father once or twice but it's obvious after reading his obituary he has passed along many of his traits and values to you. My thoughts are with you and Sherry and your family.
Clay Eaton
January 02, 2018 | Bainbridge, WA
Recall he had a quick way for math in his brain. Respectfully Michael grow
Mike Grow
January 01, 2018 | Mill Creek, WA
I was saddened to read of John's passing. While I haven't seen him in many years I do have fond memories of him from our college days and work days at Boeing - both in New Orleans and Seattle. My sincere condolences to Joanne and the family. Tony Mladineo
December 31, 2017
Love you to the moon and back love Lee Lee
Leeann Ghiglione
December 31, 2017 | Seattle, WA
