Martin Giovannini
1948 - 2020
Martin (Marty) Giovannini left the world suddenly on August 27, 2020—and left behind an indelible impression with infinite ripples.
Born in Santa Rosa, Marty was the eldest of five. His gentle and generous spirit made him a natural caretaker. From his professional roles as a teacher, mediator, and photographer to his instinctive roles as a father, son, brother, husband, confidant, and advocate, Marty looked out for others at every turn. "There is nothing more meaningful than a respect for, dedication to, and love of family," he said in one of his renowned toasts.
After graduating from Montgomery in 1967, Marty earned a master's degree in counseling from Sonoma State University and moved to Oregon where he raised his family and helped pioneer the practice of open adoption. He treasured his role as a perpetual student and never ceased in his quest for knowledge about the earthly and celestial. He parlayed his learned and innate talents into being a published author and poet and an award-winning fine art photographer. As an adjunct instructor at Chemeketa Community College, he taught black-and-white film photography for over twenty years.
Black-and-white images exemplify the concept of duality, which Marty valued in art and in himself. Although he was introspective, he defaulted to living lightly. He would greet you with a charming smile, a bear hug, an open door, and clever comedy. Sometimes punchlines were expected; other times, jokes were disguised for keen listeners. A love of reading and crossword puzzles fueled his vocabulary and, in the long pun, helped hone his standout sense of humor.
Marty will be missed beyond measure by his parents, children and grandogger, siblings, and a large family of relatives, former loves, and kindred spirits.
Good food, good drink, and good company filled his cup. If you would like to honor Marty, start by adopting those basic tenets. Beyond that, consider making a donation to Willamette Valley Hospice, paying a stranger a compliment, speaking to the manager to praise good service, or bringing someone in your life flowers—
just because. Please visit
martingiovannini.com for celebration of life plans.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Sep. 13 to Sep. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Giovannini

5 Entries

Dennis Carrera

September 7, 2023

I think of my dear friend SO OFTEN!!! Miss him lots, but looking forward to the day we will be reunited!

October 6, 2020

Marty was a great neighbor to my family for over 25 years.
He had such a good heart - it always felt as though he was a childhood friend.
Marty leaves a big hole in the world with his passing and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Cherry Currin

Dennis Carrera

September 25, 2020

I would love it if a ZOOM Memorial could be held for Marty.

Kate Mounts

September 23, 2020

To Marty’s family. I was saddened today to hear of Marty’s death. He and I spent hours together over many years in trainings and gatherings as some of the six founding members on the child welfare mediation panel designed for the State Of Oregon by Dr Jean Etter. Marty was always passionate and articulate as he pressed all concerned that mediation was a relationship and not mearly a written agreement merging two families who loved the children impacted by termination of parental rights and adoption. Marty was always present, a good listener and genuinely happy you see you!
My blessings goes to those in his family that will feel a huge hole in their lives that his positivity filled with his heart-felt smile, pictures and laughter. His photography will give you lasting memories, the sauve to soften the blow.
Blessings, Kate Mounts, LCSW.

Dennis

September 12, 2020

Marty was a dear, close friend since we were in the 2nd grade at Bellevue School in Santa Rosa. We were tight buddies throughout our days at Cook Jr. High and Montgomery High. We went to Catechism all throughout our youth, making our 1st communion and confirmation. We went our separate ways in our college years and early career years, but we had a GREAT time visiting and reminiscing for over 3 hours at our 50th MHS reunion. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I can’t wait to see him again in our life in heaven. I would love to hear from any family member, Peggy Chambers, etc., to reminisce with me. (707) 484-8468.
Good-bye for now, dear friend!
Dennis Carrera

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

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