John Carlo Giammichele

John Carlo Giammichele, 86, of Johnson City, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025. John was first married to Antoinette (Vivonna), with whom he had two daughters, Carla and Christine. In 2000, he married Ruth (Nesbitt), who remained his loving partner until her passing. He is survived by his daughters Carla McKain and Lalima Venea Sundari (Christine); grandchildren Benigno and Gabriella McKain; sisters Maria Syryca and Rosalie (Edward) Blaine; brothers-in-law Dennis Telfer and Neil Conboy; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wives Antoinette and Ruth; his sister Priscilla, brother-in-law Joseph Koplik; his parents Carl and Joanna Giammichele; his brother Dominic; sister Carolyn; brother-in-law Bernie Syryca; and sister-in-law MaryAnn Conboy.
Before beginning his professional career, John proudly served in the United States Army. John spent two decades at IBM, a place that offered stability, but never quite satisfied his restless curiosity. After leaving the corporate world, he opened The Zodiac, a neighborhood bar in Johnson City, where laughter, debate, and lifelong friendships were poured daily. He also found creative fulfillment as a licensed cosmetologist, owning and operating Giovanni's Salon. A man of many chapters, John once entered a monastery, seeking a deeper connection to the Catholic faith that shaped his values. He also selflessly worked at Covenant House in New York City, providing care and kindness to homeless youth-quiet acts of compassion that spoke volumes about the man he was.
Among his many passions, one of the most enduring (and flavorful) was garlic. John didn't just cook with it-he lived by it. Believing in its health benefits and almost mystical power, he cultivated his own and lovingly persuaded friends and family to grow it too. Garlic, for John, was more than food-it was medicine, tradition, and a way of life. Garlic, Catholicism, and his love of dogs-unconventional perhaps, but undeniably him. Rest in peace, John. May the saints welcome you, and may the garlic be strong in heaven.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to caregivers at Vestal Park Nursing Home. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. James Church on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 10 am with burial in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday at 9 am until the time of the Mass.
In lieu of flowers please honor John by planting garlic. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.