Gregory M. Giovanazzi

Great family friend. I grew up with him, idolizing him as an athlete and friend.

Dear Gio Family,

Gio was a wonderful human. He was an amazing coach. I am sorry I am hearing this so many years after, and also sorry to hear about the migraines. I played for him at Santa Monica in Fall 1981 and Spring 1982. I will never forget the experience. I am so glad that he coached a lot of VB players during his time.

Love,
Dan Hamilton

missing you always , so proud to be your best man twice ! both gals luck to have you influence their lives and everyone else

I did not know Greg but heard of him through Gary (I was in the AF with Gary) and so was able to follow his volleyball career that way. Prayers to all the family.

John Warren, San Antonio, TX

Hello Gio family...

Greg coached me at Santa Monica community college in the early 80s. Greatest coach and inspiration at that time in my life.

I just happened to look him up this year hoping to send a hello and found he had passed. :-(

Much love to you and yours,

Vance Forster

Dear Deb,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and extend them to Casey and your family. Last year I was fortunate to bump into Gio at a vb tournament in Anaheim where he was coaching Casey's team. We exchanged hugs and updated each other with "family" news. He gave me one of his greatest gifts...the gift of listening with his heart....I told him how I daily remember you both (because I use the shot glass from your wedding). He shared with me how marrying you was the best thing that had happened to him...AND what a blessing it was to have Casey. He was an exceptional husband, father and friend.My prayers and thoughts are with you and yours...
Sincerely, S.P. Banachowski

Deb: Al and I were saddened to read of Greg's passing. He was a positive force in the U-M women's volleyball program and I thoroughly enjoyed knowing the two of you. We are thinking of you and Casey at this sad time.

Al and Sandy Burdi (U-M Athletics)

I just heard of Greg's passing today. We shared common friends at Culver City High School and I spoke to Greg briefly when a mutual C.C. friend, Lin, passed away recently. It just doesn't seem possible that they both are gone now. My thoughts are with you. I just remember him always with a smile on his face.
Cheryl (Brown) Tetlow
Bainbridge Island, WA

Deb: My heart breaks hearing of the news of Greg's death. I have so many wonderful memories of Greg. He recruited my Daughter Britney Hodson to UMBC and nursed her through a first season injury and the two of you took her in your home and gave her rides to all the games her injury kept her from traveling to. Remember the cookies?:) He was a big man in so many ways but his heart and love for people and family are what I remember most. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Deb and Casey,
It was with great sadness that we heard of Greg's passing. We are greatful to have had the opportunity to know him and thankful to him for giving our daughter the opportunity to attend the U of M where she made life long friends including Greg.
Vija and Gary Pittenger

Gio having been your best friend since we were 13 it breaks my heart to not be able to see and laugh with you again.
It was a honor to be your best man and you for me when I was married. I learned so much from you . Deb and Casey know your fatherand and husband touched so many lives. He lived to see his daughter and we spoke so much about her.
I feel blessed that we were able to hoist a few brews at my beach last month.Im glad we made a video of it.
I will miss you every day
God Bless

Dear Deb and Casey,

Gene and I wish to offer our condolences. We are so sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers. There is no amount of time spent with Greg that is enough. He was a wonderful person and we are better for knowing him.

Gene and Vicki Simmers

I am so heartfully sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Deb, My prayers are with you and your family. Cherish the memories.

Dear Deb and Casey,
I was so, so extremely saddened to hear of Greg's passing. Although it has been many years since I have seen him, it feels like only yesterday that he gave our team a summer reading assignment - "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand - the summer before his first season as our head coach at Michigan. I remember my teammates and I thinking "who is this guy?!" After reading the book and having the privilege of being on his team for 2 years, it was clear that Greg was a special coach/person. Someone who respected us each as individuals and endeavored to bring out the best in each player he coached. He has left an indelibly, positive impact on my life as I have transferred the lessons I learned from him in the gym to my life these past 18 years as a student, lawyer, wife, mother.

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss as I know how much he loved you both. I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Deb,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and family. Losing someone so special is especially difficult when their time with us has been cut short. Family, friends, faith and time will help you get through each day. Even though I never met Greg, he obviously was a wonderful husband, father, coach and man. My condolences. Deneice Fusco

In this time of loss my prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.