Robert P. "Bob" Giannini Sr.

GIANNINI Robert "Bob" P. Giannini Sr., age 80, of Avon, formerly of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 19, 2005, at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 23, 1925 in Bridgeport, the son of the late Rocco and Jennie (Morcone) Giannini. He graduated from Harding High School and was drafted and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His service included the invasion of France at Normandy, battles in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received several decorations and citations including a Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Croix de Guerre with Palm, and Fourragere. Upon his return from Europe, he attended and graduated from Central Connecticut Teachers College and then the University of Bridgeport receiving a Bachelor's, Master's and Sixth Year Degree. He taught grammar school in Oxford and Columbus School in Bridgeport. Whittier School was his first assignment as principal after which he served as principal at Elias Howe, Madison and Beardsley Schools. He was known for his love of his students, treating each as his own child. He served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut Community Colleges. He retired as a principal after 35 years of dedication to the teaching profession. He was a little league coach for many years, member of the Knights of Columbus, Pequonnock Yacht Club, and a lector at Holy Rosary Church. He was an avid golfer here in Connecticut and at his winter home in Del Ray Beach, Fla. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Mildred (Atanas) Giannini and his two brothers, Daniel and William. He leaves his sister, Jeanette Giannini; his three children, Robert Giannini Jr. and his wife, Teresa Chamiec, Pamela Giannini and her husband, Glenn Silva, and Mary Jane Bernabe and her husband, Allan Bernabe. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Phaedra, Gabriel and Lucius Giannini, Jessica and Emma Silva, Alyssa and Jared Bernabe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 23, at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Road, Avon. Burial with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Family and friends may call at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, Thursday, September 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. Special thanks to all the staff at Laurel Gardens of Avon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences.