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Dave Gianas Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dave Gianas
Sponsored by Greg Gianas, Dave's brother.
Peggy
January 3, 2025
Granddaughter #2. Love you always
Peggy
January 3, 2025
Granddaughter #2! 15 years with a hole in my heart. Love you always
Peggy
December 30, 2023
New generations of the Gianas family spending time with you in spirit
Peggy
January 3, 2023
Your new granddaughter will carry on your legacy
Peggy
January 3, 2022
12 years. Life goes on but a less bright without you
Greg Gianas
March 23, 2021
I've never known a man with more depth of feeling than Dave Gianas, not a greater understanding of those who have been avoided and underestimated. Those qualities could be why Dave won the Golden Apple award twice as a Special Education teacher. He'd experienced what his students did and he was fearless and ever-giving in their support.
Also, I've never known anyone with even half of Dave's humor
There's another quality of Dave that haunts me and makes me proud I knew such a person: Dave didn't miss much in the lives of those he knew; he was more observant than any other man I've ever known.
I bow to those who miss Dave and, like few people I've ever known, I'd like to be with him again and again.
Greg Gianas, Dave older, shorter brother, who Dave called his "little brother."
March 22, 2021
Missing you
Nancy & Mike Wardlaw
January 4, 2019
Just reminenced yesterday about Dave and Dan Walsh coaching the boys' basketball team. We also commented that Dave was one of those that had so much to give and left too soon. But he made his time count.
January 3, 2019
Still missing that twinkle in your eyes
July 24, 2018
With all my love
January 3, 2017
in memory
September 18, 2016
Thinking of you always
Devon Sanders
January 15, 2014
My Dear friend, there is not a day that goes by, that I don't think of you. I still cry when I talk about you. you were one of my best friends. I know our paths will cross again.
thank you again Dave, for everything. but especially never giving up on me.
D. SANDERS
January 3, 2014
With love
September 24, 2013
Hi Mr. Gianas, thinking of you. Much much love
Anne Cannon
September 16, 2013
Peggy, I did not know of Dave's passing, although I knew it was coming. There are those of us with whom he shared or showed a piece of his spirit, but you are the person to whom he gave his all. He was taken from this world way too soon. Love to you, Max and Ben. Anne
Walter Reil
May 29, 2012
I wish I could have attended the service for Dave. He was truly a wonderful man who cared deeply about his family, other children, and their education.
I came to know him well during his phenomenal support of the installation of Monterey Road Elementary School's science lab classroom in 1993, building all of the countertop cabinets himself. I designed the lab and was the chair of the lab's development team. Dave was a powerful presence in how much he cared for the students.
I will miss his smiling face dearly. We need a world full of Dave's.
Walt Reil
5/29/12
Karen Diefenderfer
March 20, 2010
Many years ago, Cheryl Hamon and I had the great pleasure of being Max and Ben's kindergarten teachers at Monterey Road School. This is how we first came to know and love the wonderful Gianas family. We all knew Dave as a man of great passion. He was passionate about his family, friends, students, his wood-working....about life. Dave taught me valuable lessons about how to live and, in the end, how to die.
On January 1st, I called Dave to wish him a Happy New Year. To be honest, a little part of me was dreading the conversation, as I knew it would be difficult. Dear Ben insisted that his dad wished to take my call and Dave soon picked up the phone. He was weak, but very lucid. Throughout the conversation, Dave had levity in his voice, laughter in his heart and kindness in his soul. He quickly wiped away all my fears and anxieties about our farewell conversation. Dave gave me a wonderful, final gift....the opportunity to say the important things like thank you, I appreciate you, I love you.... you did it right. Dave's thoughts and words during our visit were incredibly composed, gracious and loving. As always, he was more concerned about others, rather than himself. We spoke about many things, especially sweet Peggy and their golden boys.. Max and Ben.. extraordinary children who have grown into stellar young men.
The kindergarten rooms at Monterey Road School are filled with invaluable structures, lovingly made by talented Dave. The puppet theater, the book stand and the drying rack for paintings are still being used daily by many little hands. The creative, generous, loving spirit of Dave Gianas lives on at Monterey Road School, as it will forever in the hearts of all of us who were blessed by his friendship.
Sail on, my friend.
Karen Diefenderfer
March 18, 2010
Dave Gianas was really a unique person, and I too, feel fortunate to have worked with him. His compassion for kids was obvious, he worked tirelessly for them. Seems like almost every day I was leaving for work, Dave was in the parking lot talking to kids or parents.
For me, the thing I loved the best about Mr. Gianas was that he always took the time to talk to you, find out about your day, your job and your life and he always had something to share of himself. I miss seeing Dave about campus, he brought out the humorous side of us all and made the day brighter.
Catherine Rawlings
Bob Canepa
March 13, 2010
Peggy, Max, Ben and Greg,
I have truly tried to find words to express my feelings for your husband, father, brother and my dear friend, but they all seem inadequate, at best.
I am so very thankful to have first met Dave and Peggy as the parents of two wonderful boys. I am so very fortunate to have worked with both Ben and Max. Their kindness, commitment and understanding are all compliments to both Peggy and Dave. At that time, I believe, Dave was beginning his pursuit of an education degree. This was not an easy road and obstacles seemed many. Dave pursued, and fortunately for so many students, (and me), he received his degree and for too short a period, worked with children. Dave’s special ability was to touch and affect change in students who struggled every day and needed someone to believe in them and support them. Dave gave so much to each of his students, both inside and outside the classroom and often shared his triumphs and struggles with me. We talked often about education and the difficulties kids had in coping with school and life. Never tiring of the fight, Dave carried on with his unbroken spirit and dedication. We are all the better for him believing in kids the way he did, and I truly appreciate and cherish the belief he had in me. I thought of his strength often.
I still think of Dave nearly every day and will continue to do so. I know this sounds like something someone says to rationalize the loss of someone so significant in so many lives, but I really will do so . . . you see . . . one day Dave passed me in the hall and I was lamenting the fact that my darn shoe laces came untied AGAIN. Dave smiled and showed me how to double tie them so that would never happen again. And . . . they NEVER have come undone! Dave had so many answers for so many things. Lucky us!
I will miss you my friend and I’ll never see a sailboat in the distance and not think of you smiling at all of us, or tie my shoes and not think of you.
Bob Canepa
Bob Canepa
March 13, 2010
Peggy, Max, Ben and Greg,
I have truly tried to find words to express my feelings for your husband, father, brother and my dear friend, but they all seem inadequate, at best.
I am so very thankful to have first met Dave and Peggy as the parents of two wonderful boys. I am so very fortunate to have worked with both Ben and Max. Their kindness, commitment and understanding are all compliments to both Peggy and Dave. At that time, I believe, Dave was beginning his pursuit of an education degree. This was not an easy road and obstacles seemed many. Dave pursued, and fortunately for so many students, (and me), he received his degree and for too short a period, worked with children. Dave’s special ability was to touch and affect change in students who struggled every day and needed someone to believe in them and support them. Dave gave so much to each of his students, both inside and outside the classroom and often shared his triumphs and struggles with me. We talked often about education and the difficulties kids had in coping with school and life. Never tiring of the fight, Dave carried on with his unbroken spirit and dedication. We are all the better for him believing in kids the way he did, and I truly appreciate and cherish the belief he had in me. I thought of his strength often.
I still think of Dave nearly every day and will continue to do so. I know this sounds like something someone says to rationalize the loss of someone so significant in so many lives, but I really will do so . . . you see . . . one day Dave passed me in the hall and I was lamenting the fact that my darn shoe laces came untied AGAIN. Dave smiled and showed me how to double tie them so that would never happen again. And . . . they NEVER have come undone! Dave had so many answers for so many things. Lucky us!
I will miss you my friend and I’ll never see a sailboat in the distance and not think of you smiling at all of us, or tie my shoes and not think of you.
Bob Canepa
Miranda Hill (Morales)
March 4, 2010
When I heard about Dave all I could do was cry. I remember Dave like so many other people do, unique, understanding, inspiring, amazing and so many other things. When I first met Dave I was in junior High and my life was anything but normal. I didn't even have Dave as a teacher when one of the other teachers suggested he talk to me. I was so suprised that at a time in my life when I thought the world was against me and no one could care less about me here was a man who was there to listen and understand and he didn't even know me. He gave me so much wonderful advice and listen to everything that I had to say. He was never judgmental and showed me love and compassion I hadn't seen in a long time. It was the first time in my life that someone cared about me and didn't ask anything in return. All I could think to do at the time was write him a letter. I thanked him over and over in the letter and told him how he changed my life. After Junior High I would stop by his class and he would always introduce me to his students as the girl who wrote him the sweetest letter he has ever received. I miss him like so many others do and I pray for his family. Dave was an angel here on earth and now he is where he can watch over all the people that loved him. I will be eternally grateful to him. I love you Dave.
ashlee traverso
January 27, 2010
i miss him more and more everyday, but in time i have found myself to understand that he will always be here with us. he was simply one of the most amazing, and inspiring, people i have ever spent time with. we met under circumstances that i hated at the time, but looking at it now, i can't bring myself to want to change it. he shared stories with me, and trusted me; letting me know that i would always have someone when i needed it. everyone he knew, acquaintances and friends, are so lucky to have been a part of such a unique persons life. dave gianas is my hero, forever and always. that one of a kind smile will live on no matter what, and his humor is something no one can recreate. i love you, dave.
Chris Brown
January 15, 2010
Ravin' Dave! I miss you and know you are looking down on all of us with that big grin. One of a kind, no others like him, unique, and inspiring. Not understanding why, but trying to accept that he is no longer on this earth. I saw Dave put heart and soul into the kids he worked with. He only wished to move them forward to a better life. Max and Ben: Your dad was a man among men. No greater spirit can be found. My thoughts and feelings are with you and your mother. I love you Dave.
Chris Brown
Diana Munoz-Perry
January 15, 2010
He always "took the time" to listen and help many of the student during the years that are hardest for most. Each of my kids knew him and had nothing but respect and kind words to say about him. My deepest sympathy goes to his wife, sons and family.
Lynne Higgins
January 15, 2010
The first time I ever saw him was about 16 years ago when he was an aide for my friend's class. I was her substitute that day. I was seated with a small group of students when in walked this man like he was on a mission. He walked halfway across the room, saw me at the table, then turned on his heel and walked back out, without speaking a word. I silently wondered what that was all about. He later told Linda that he'd wanted to come in and give me a bad time because he knew I was her friend. But when he saw me sitting there he thought I looked like the sweetest person ever and he couldn't bring himself to do whatever it was he had intended to do. That was my introduction to Dave Gianas and how grateful I am to have gotten to know him after that. I love that he was so determined to get his Special Ed credential that he returned to college to do undergraduate work to bring up his GPA so that he could get into the graduate program. As the years passed, and our paths crossed since we were both Special Ed teachers, he never failed to brighten my day whenever I saw him. And one day when he was teaching at the Jr. High and he received a student I had taught, he even called me at home to tell me what an excellent IEP I had written, that it was one of the best he'd received and it had made everything crystal clear about the student for him. I will never forget that phone call, because how often does someone call you up to tell you what a great job you did. That was Dave Gianas for you. My only regret is that I did not know him better than I did, but what I did know warms my heart & puts a smile on my face whenever I think of that very special, one in a million guy who was one of the best teachers I ever knew. I will miss him, and my heart goes out to all of his family. The lives he touched will remember him forever.
Mark Glenesk
January 13, 2010
Dave and I both loved the long ocean swims and we enjoyed chatting about weekend events as we danced together to the beat of the copy machine each morning. He definitely had the dance moves, the ties, the shoes, but his "hold nothing back attitude" when standing up for a student in need was a shining attribute of a great person.
In addition, we shall never forget the "Energizer Bunny Dave" or the "Dressed in a Pink Tutu Dave" for the Faculty Follies show but then.........the kicker, he didn't take the tutu off for the after show party as went out for the evening about town - but that was Dave - a good time just getting better.
One time....Dave and I were walking quickly along together side by side but a bit apart. He was really focused on our banter and then BOOM!! he walked right into a pole - head first. The sound was excruciatingly loud, but the first thing I noticed was his big smile, exclaiming, "That pole just jumped out of nowhere!"
Love you Dave.
Mark Glenesk
Friend and fellow teacher at AJHS
KristaRose Mijares
January 13, 2010
Mr. Gianas was always filled with a kind word and a loving smile. His love and generosity were taught to his boys, Max and Ben, who I have had the pleasure of being friends with, too. He is a great man and will truly be missed. I always remember Mr. G as someone who could give me a big smile and genuinely care when he said, "How's it going?" My condolences to Mrs. Gianas, Max, Ben and the rest of the family.
Tracey LoSchiavo
January 12, 2010
I would always seen Mr. Gianas around campus during my years at AJHS (1999-2001). He was always so friendly and nice to everyone. I will never forget those converse sneakers! I saw him in May at the Relay for Life. He was a unique spirit that will live on in the hearts and minds of all that knew him.
Jenna Baum
January 12, 2010
I like so many others have most memories from Jr High. This was time i got to spend with Max and really got to know Mr G. There are a number of things i remember. Some of them are obvious, the converse, the ties. And then there's the stuff that i still look back, think about and smile. The bag of hot nuts, the things that glowed in the dark. Dave was always there to listen, react, beat someone up (ok not really but if it made you feel better he would tell you he was going to) He was there to offer words of wisdom during my first real heart break. He made lots of kids lives better in a time when there are very few adults we trusted. There is a bright start shining in our skys now.
Richard & Lisa Stickler
January 12, 2010
Mr. Gianas , as our son knew him, and Dave as we knew him, always showed respect to his students and parents alike, whether on campus or around town. Dave will be remembered as a kind and generous man who not only loved teaching but cared about the students he was teaching to. Our son moved out of the area shortly after Jr. High but that never stopped Dave from asking us about him when we would see him in the stores up until recently. Thank you Dave for enriching our lives; Peggy, thank you for sharing your husband with us if just for a little while. Thank you God for taking care of him now.
Rebecca Hines
January 12, 2010
I remember asking Mr. Gianas one day, "Why are your shoes untied?"... His answer, "I don't tie them until after 12 noon..." I still don't understand why, but it still makes me laugh to this day! I remember how much he and Mr. "B" (Bertinuson) loved my mom's Turkey Dinners every year, and how he could always make me laugh and feel better about myself when I was down. He had a HUGE heart for kids and youth, and his contagious smile will forever shine on our school campuses =0)
Kathleen Dagnall
January 12, 2010
Dave Gianas:
definition:
one of the most amazing, passionate, funny, real, sensitive, non comforming human beings to touch the lives of myself, my children and obviously so many others!
He is the definition of TEACHER
He lived it, breathed it, shared it and embraced it!
We are all better people for his golden path to have crossed our lives.
Our deep compassionate heart extends warm love to his family.
His love and gifts have become a part of all of us.
Thank you for sharing him with us.He Will be deeply missed. How lucky are we that we had the opportunity to feel his light.
Theresa, Kevin (hangning with him in Heaven!) and Kathy Dagnall
Loren Gazzaniga
January 12, 2010
I didn't know Mr. Gianas very well. All I knew was he was always dressed very nicely with convers :) and I guess I treated my boyfriends as my brothers cause he would always make fun of us. Haha. I know some people that were just crushed when they heard the news. He was a really great. And a leader to others. On behalf of those I know, we'll miss you very much. Thanks for being there for my friends. :)
Tamara Frazier
January 11, 2010
Mr. G-
Do you remember that day when you picked me up to take me to my first day at summer school working with you as your TA? I was able to see you work with those little tykes, teaching them manners, numbers, ABC's, and respect. You were such a wonderful roll model to me, and to the other people who were lucky enough to have you in their lives.
I will miss you. I will always remember the lessons you taught me, and use the wealth of information you passed on in my career as a teacher. I hope to be able to reach out to my students as you did to yours. If I have half the impact on others that you did, I will consider myself a success.
Thank you for being my first master teacher, even when I was too young to know where my life would lead me. Your lessons will not be forgotten:)
Much love to Peggy, Max, and Ben. I have missed you all and will keep you all in my prayers.
~Tamara Frazier (Tami Scrivner)
marilyn duffy
January 8, 2010
Dave was a wonderful teacher and mentor to both of my sons, who were blessed with their opportunity to spend time with him. He was loving and caring, passionate about life and living, and endowed with a wonderful sense of humor. Everyone who knew him loved him, and were better off because of their acquaintance. Even one encounter could touch you and influence you. Our hearts and prayers go out to Peggy, Max and Ben, and the rest of his extended family and we hope they find comfort. Dave is surely now with God.
Marilyn Miller Duffy
Atascadero
Alex Adams
January 8, 2010
Mr. gianas was what you call a true kind person. he was a close family friend and just a true friend . he knew how to make you feel special about your self when you were sad . he will all ways have a place in my heart - RIP BEST TEACHER EVER ...
Greg Gianas (Dave's brother)
January 8, 2010
6 January 2009
This letter is about collecting “Dave Gianas stories” in a printed form to give to students who knew and loved Dave. There are many reasons why, in coming years, I think such a booklet (which I will pay to produce) will be beneficial to those who know and love Dave (my brother).
This is my personal perspective: I’ve never known someone who was as wild and caring as Dave. I’ve never known someone who would stand up for the rejected and dispossessed and be ostracized and demeaned by an insensitive principal or system, time and time again, and not get burned out. I’ve never known a real Peter Pan who was also “street wise,” hilarious, and brave beyond imagination. Dave made me laugh harder and deeper than any other human being. Dave always reminded me, by his actions, of what Zorba the Greek said, “You have to cut the rope to be free.”
Because Dave always inspired me when I was down, I believe a book containing “Dave Gianas stories” could lift the spirits of his students, if not some of his peers, reminding us to care about those who are hurting and need support, as well as reminding us that we don’t have to lose or kill our personality to be loved and respected in a world that so often seeks to crush and melt down our “personality.”
I imagine those who knew and loved Dave reading a collection of “Dave Gianas stories” in the future when they might be down and thinking everything and everyone sucks. They can read about radical jokes Dave played, about crazy things Dave did and said, about grand and holy things Dave did and said ... reminding us of the fact that there are humane, caring, and brave people in this world, like Dave, who give us needed, unorthodox support and comfort when we're down.
Ever since October 2008, when I was informed that Dave's cancer would be fatal, I believed that not everyone who knew and loved Dave would be able to go to his, now, nonexistent funeral. Also, I don't believe that everyone who may want to go to Dave's "Celebration of Life" ceremony, March 20, 2010, will be able to find transportation to get there.
Then, there will be those students with deep and tender emotions who will seek to avoid a public show of pain or sorrow or loss, or even joy. Such people are in no less need of hearing/reading thoughts shared about Dave.
(Not everyone will have access to a computer to enter their thoughts on the newspaper's obituary webpage or be able to read the thoughts of others on the newspaper's obituary website. Nevertheless, I've paid to have "Guestbook" pages on Dave's obituary site to be kept open "forever," in the words of the service "Legacy.com" that owns this service.)
If you and others know students who could benefit from having a booklet of “Dave Gianas stories,” then please share this idea with them and help me collect these stories from students, principals, custodians, fellow teachers, secretaries, counselors, friends, ... anyone who knew and loved Dave. Send the stories to me, and I’ll have them printed, bound, and delivered to your school for distribution to those who want a copy.
Note: It’s important that stories you tell about Dave be RAW and UNEDITED because that’s the way Dave lived—raw and unedited.
Respectfully,
Greg Gianas (Dave's brother)
16044 N.E. 106th St., Redmond, Washington 98052
Phone: 425-881-1776
Email: [email protected]
---------------------------------
Also, I'd like to make the following two offers:
(1) Anyone who would rather just tell their "Dave Gianas story" to someone, rather than write it down, can call me and I'll add what they say to the proposed book.
(2) Anyone who wants to talk to Dave's brother (who shares Dave's intense care about people going through tough times) can call me collect, 425-881-1776.
Thanks,
Colleen McCall
January 8, 2010
Dave truly touched my heart. He never taught either of my daughters, but he treated all of us as friends. His Converse wardrobe and ties allowed him to relate to all students. He is one of the kindest souls I have ever known.
I am still touched today remembering the cry we had together in the Atascadero Post Offuce parking lot. He told me his students had been robbed during his teaching career as he got far more from them then they did from him. What a humble soul, but clearly an untrue statement. Dave touched all of our lives and gave so generously of himself.
When he received another source of funding for the project that was the subject of his CAPS grant, he voluntarily relinquished the funds so that another worthy project could receive funding. So selfless.
I will always remember and miss Dave Gianas as one of truly remarkable people in the world.
Colleen McCall (Palermo)
Jennifer,David & Aaron Clark
January 6, 2010
Mr. Gianas was such an amazing and kind man, he has changed the lives of so many families and helped so many children. He always went above and beyond for his friends and students and I feel so fortunate to have had Dave in my life and the lives my two sons.
As a friend to me he shared his kindness and wisdom, his passion for teaching and his love for his students.
I will always be greatful for the time and energy he shared with me.
He was an incredible gift to each of my boys as their teacher, mentor and friend. His support and guidance changed their lives and I know they will each become better men by having had Mr. Gianas there to encourage and inspire them. I am so thankful that we all had the opportunity to learn all that we did from him. We will miss him greatly and remember him everyday.
Our thoughts are with Peggy, Max and Ben during this time. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with all of us, he was truly a great man.
Tarey Jo Blandford
January 6, 2010
I met Mr. Gianas when I was in Jr. High, and continued to develop a friendship with him over the years. He was always so positive and supportive, especially of my relationship with my high school sweetheart. He always had a smile and some good advice when we crossed paths. He spoke so fondly of his wife and sons; I know they meant the world to him. When I got married last September, I knew he was someone I absolutely wanted to share that moment with. I'm so glad he came, and that I have that memory to keep in my heart. His smile will be missed. My heart goes out to his family.
victoria ellis
January 6, 2010
Mr. Gianas was the father I never had. He was so special to me. He was the only reason I made through Jr. High. He was the best teacher that I ever had. I feel so sorry for those who haven't met Mr. Gianas. I really do. He was the sweetest person I ever met. He was so caring and loving to everyone. He always put himself before others. I hope he rests in peace. He will be missed SO much. He saved my life. It just seemed so impossible for him to have died so soon. I still can't believe it. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. He could do anything. Every time I had a bad day, all he would have to do is look me in the eye. My day would go so much smoother. I laughed all the time when I was around him. He was such a great teacher as well!! He may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotton!! He will always be in my heart; no matter what!!! I love you so much, Mr. Gianas! I will NEVER, EVER forget you! Rest In Peace! And hope that you will never forget me and always watch over me (I know that you will :) )
Crystal Clark
January 6, 2010
I knew Mr. Gianas from Monterey Road when I was a student there and got the privilege of spending a lot of my youth around him, and for a time he took me under his wing and I looked up to him so very very much. My prayers go out to Max, Ben and the rest of the family. Please know how grateful I am to have gotten a chance to spend time with him and how much he meant to me and my mom.
Vanessa Shroyer
January 6, 2010
Mr. Gianas was a wonderful teacher and a great person altogether. May he rest in peace. Gone but not forgotten. We love you Mr. G
Vanessa Shroyer
Suzette Caufield
January 6, 2010
I met Dave and Peggy when our kids started school at Monterey Road. For the next twelve years I watched as Dave went from being just a concerned and caring father to Max & Ben, to a man who would take on the world if it meant improving the life of any of his "kids".
He saw a way to help more kids by getting his teaching credential and he worked hard to make a diffence. Dave will be that special teacher that students will remember the rest of their lives.
He made an artwork drying box for a kindergarten class, was involved in PTA, helped get Science Labs started, worked with the Atascadero Education Foundation and the Valentine's Ball, and was an active Band Parent. It would be hard to list all the ways he touched our kids and the community, but he was always there to lend a helping hand and make a difference.
He is a man to be admired and remembered. He has touched many lives, including mine, to which I will always be grateful.
To Peggy, Max and Ben - Thanks for sharing such a wonderful man with us - he lives on in each of us.
My Love - Suzette Caufield
Terri Sherwin
January 5, 2010
Dave had an incredible nurturing spirit. He took the time to love and care for the students who really needed an adult to show that they were valued people. Great times and lots of laughs working with him at Monterey Road Elementary when we were both aides. To his family, I send my thoughts and prayers to comfort you.
Nancy and Mike Wardlaw
January 5, 2010
We knew Dave as Max and Ben's dad, as our son's basketball coach and as cheerleader to all the activities of raising our children together.
Dave had an infectious a spirit that made each of us want to be better and he glowed with the excitement of each new day. He will be missed, but lives on as inspiration.
Andrew Cherry
January 5, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave when I coached his son Max in basketball. I can say many great things about Dave. From his friendliness to his thoughtfulness to his classic shoes, he was certainly one in a million. We still have a wooden baby rattle he made our son Seth. However, what I will remember most of all was that Dave exuded passion for life. I have met very few people in my life that were able to make any situation sound like the experience of a lifetime. Dave was one of those.
Dave-
I was never a student of yours in class, but you taught me a lot about life in our short time knowing each other. Thank you for that gift.
Debbie McNair
January 5, 2010
Dave was not only an excellent teacher, but a wonderful friend to anyone he ever met. The skills Dave taught both inside and out of the classroom will remain in the hearts and minds of his students throughout their lives. He was the epitome of a gentleman, a wonderful father and husband, as well as a sterling example of what a teacher and mentor should be. Our love goes out to Peggy and the boys- Dave will be truly missed.
Mariel Mascorro
January 5, 2010
The world of Education would not be same without Dave. He was the best teacher that anyone who was lucky enough to have. Rest in Peace. We will always love you!
Carol Bruns
January 5, 2010
The world is a better place since Dave was here. I will always remember him as a 'house-husband' when the boys were little and were best friends with my son.
Carol Bruns
January 5, 2010
We know of Dave's kindness and his love for family, friends,
sports, the sea, his students. We are glad to have known him and
send our love to his family.
Love,
Barb and Jeff Harmon
Kathy Wells-Butler
January 5, 2010
Mr. Gianas was a wonderful person and gifted teacher!! He helped our son through one of the toughest times in his life. He went to bat for him and made him feel like someone was in his corner. Not just when he was in his class but through out the last 3 years. Even coming to his senior interview while being sick. It meant the world to Alex for him to come for that. Our whole community has lost such a precious gift in loosing Mr.G!!
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
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Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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