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Samuel Giammona Obituary
Dec 17, 1930 - Mar 23, 2015
Dr. Samuel T. Giammona, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died March 23, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was 84. Dr. Giammona was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Maria (Russo) and Giuseppe Giammona, the 9th of 12 children. He grew up in a home that never wanted for laughter and love.Dr. Giammona graduated from Michigan State University, and was an avid Spartan fan throughout his life. He graduated from Yale University Medical School, where he also completed his Pediatrics Internship and made many lifelong friends. He completed his Pediatrics Residency at the University of Michigan. Dr. Giammona practiced primarily in academic medicine including the University of Miami and the University of California, San Diego (where he was vice-chairman of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine) as a Pediatric Pulmonologist and demonstrated his skill and love for teaching. Dr. Giammona was the chairman of the (former) Children's Hospital of San Francisco Pediatrics Department, and head of the hospital's Pediatrics Residency program. Many excellent pediatricians in San Diego, San Francisco and throughout California are proud to have had Dr. Giammona as their teacher and mentor.
Dr. Giammona's first love was his family. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Elizabeth Ann Giammona, his children Joseph (Barbara), Mary (David Hilton), Anne Newton (David), Andrew (Roxanna) and Aggie Burke (Pat); grandchildren James and William Giammona, Regina Giammona Jackson (Matthew Sirko), Jonathan Newton (Amy), Thomas Newton, Michael Giammona (Jacqui), Julianna and Manfredo Giammona, Torrance and Rhonnie Burke; and great-grandchildren Jameson and Jeremiah Giammona. He is also survived by his brothers Charles Giammona (Vina), Rev. Msgr. John Giammona, his sisters Agnes Giammona and Rosemary Starr and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by his longtime friends, Shaifol Bahrain and Melvin Baines. He was preceded in death by his parents and his other siblings.
Dr. Giammona was a compassionate, generous, loving man. He cared passionately about children, the "little guy," and fairness for all. He lived life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Pathways Home Health and Hospice (pathwayshealth.org) and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org) in Dr. Giammona's name are requested. Services will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Giammona
Marty Myers
March 7, 2019
It is almost 4 years later but I have just come across Sam's obituary. I knew of Sam from his Hawaii life. We met when he audited my class at the University of Hawaii theatre dept. I knew he was a respected doctor but I knew him as a man who loved the arts. We got to be good friends and always got together when he returned to the Islands. I even got to tour his lovely SF residence. I am glad that I was able to know this talented and fascinating man.
May 13, 2015
Dr. G, as we call Sam Giammona who was my pediatric department head when I was at Children's Hospital in San Francisco from 1973 to 1976, has always been a great role model for me. When I think of my residency years in Pediatrics, Dr. G pops into my head. Always smiling and always so practical and down to earth. He was always available 24/7. All of the house staff knows that we can call him even at night if we do not agree with the attending on how to manage a case.
I agree with All the other comments made by others before. Though I have not seen Dr. G after he moved to Hawaii, I have asked after him. Last night, during a mini reunion of former CHSF housestaff, a websearch showed that Dr. G has left us all.
With much sadness, I write this note. Dr. G will never be forgotten. Thank you for all that you did for us.
Hugs to Mary Giammona and other family members.
Peggy Tun
May 7, 2015
Sam was a wonderful teacher and mentor to many pediatricians. Compassion and warmth and laughter were gifts that he gave freely and will always be remembered. My condolences to his family - I know he will be sadly missed.
Kathy Lewis
May 3, 2015
Sincere condolences to Father John who always spoke so glowingly of his brother, Sam.
Mark Sullivan
Westlake Village, CA
Gary Gin
May 3, 2015
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sam Giammona. I started my pediatric training in 1977 and finished my pediatric residency and fellowship at Children's Hospital, San Francisco under his teaching and mentorship. He had vast knowledge and insight as I learned going on ward rounds with him. Even with his knowledge, he was always ready to ask questions especially during lectures and Pediatric Grand Rounds to instill some teaching moments. He was very approachable as Chair of the Department and Director of the Residency Program and gave helpful guidance to us residents. CHSF was the first in the Bay Area to have a pediatric intensive care unit under his leadership. Quality patient and family care were very important to him. Many of the residents that he trained stayed in the Bay Area. Some went into pediatric/neonatal intensive care but many more are primary pediatric care pediatricians in the Bay Area community. So many fond memorieshe will be missed.
Michelle Giammona Brown
April 28, 2015
His laugh, his humor, his wit, his compassion, his passion, his "spirituality", his irreverence, his respect for life.....I love my Uncle Sam so very much. He loved his children more than anything in this world...he always told me he shared this trait with my dad....their kids were their treasure. I will miss him so much.
Michelle Giammona Brown
April 28, 2015
Michelle Giammona Brown
April 28, 2015
April 21, 2015
May my Uncle Sam be at peace. - I will miss him greatly - he was the dad I never had who gave me encouragement when life was rough. The memories and fun times we had as a family to Lake Michigan , our visits to Inianapolis and all the good times in Miami . I loved you and know you are at peace and having a good time with all of your family in Heaven. Mary Elizabeth Bradford Stanley .
April 20, 2015
Martin,
Mom and I send our deepest condolences.
Know always that we stand with you now
and at all times.
Much Love Today and Forever,
Thomas and Mom Pecora
Gaspar Ancona
April 20, 2015
My condolences and prayers to Msgr. John, Agnes, and all the family members upon the passing of Sam......Msgr. Gaspar Ancona
Michael Gaynon
April 20, 2015
I was an intern in 1972 in San Francisco, and studied under Dr. Giammona, who was the head of the Pediatrics Department at what was then called San Francisco Childrens Hospital and Adult Medical Center. He was a wonderful teacher, and a compassionate, caring physician. I have very fond memories of working with him. He had longer hair then (shown in one of the photos), as we all did. Rest in peace.
Otto Konrad
April 20, 2015
Sammy was a bright light and a wonderful man. Proud to call him my great uncle...
Giammona Siblings
Martin Starr
April 19, 2015
John and Sam Giammona with their mother
Martin Starr
April 19, 2015
Sam and Betty Giammona wedding
Martin Starr
April 19, 2015
Giammona Brothers with Uncle John Peter Giammona
Martin Starr
April 19, 2015
Samuel Giammona, MD
Martin Starr
April 19, 2015
Uncle Sam, you were one of a kind, and I will always remember your brilliant mind.
Donna Lindblom Friar
April 19, 2015
I was a teenager when I lived next door to The Giammona's in GR & I LOVED that family. We lost track but I have good memories. I want you to know that you will be in my prayers.
Michael Passage
April 19, 2015
Rest in peace "Godfather", loved it when you came to visit my Mom, always a great time with great stories.
Mary Gragg
April 18, 2015
Love you Uncle Sam. Rest in peace.
Vina & Charles Giammona
April 18, 2015
Sam was one in a million. Charlie loved him beyond words and I loved him too. When I entered this family many years ago, he was one of the most accepting family members. That was his nature. He was always quick with a joke or some interesting unknown sports fact (usually about the Spartans) but also gave many hours of medical counsel to the family. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Sam.
Agnes Giammona
April 18, 2015
Sam! He was a wonderful brother and will always have a place in my heart! I loved him very much!
Catherine (Bradford) Provenzano
April 18, 2015
I loved my Uncle Sammy. He was my father figure growing up. Loving, fun, his family and ours spent many fun days in Miami. I will miss him dearly.
Martin Starr
April 17, 2015
My Uncle Sam was a brilliant research pediatrician whose skilled care changed the course of so many young lives. The world is richer for his presence.
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