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BORN

1937

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Woody Funeral Home Atlee Chapel

9271 Shady Grove Road

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Sergio Gigante Obituary

Sergio Gigante

February 12, 1937 - July 1, 2025

Sergio "Serge" Salvatore Gigante, 88, passed away on July 1st, in his home in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Leonardo and Rosa, he was the youngest of four children. Serge met the love of his life, Suzanne, after they attended the wedding of mutual friends. The friends were playing matchmaker, but Serge misunderstood who he was supposed to meet. Only after the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon and asked how things were going with Sue did Serge realize he had taken the wrong woman on dates. He was finally introduced to Sue, and they were inseparable for 64 years. They were married in January, 1961, and had two sons, Len and Mike. Serge had many jobs when he was young, but found his calling as a United States Postal Inspector. As an Inspector, Serge and his family moved frequently, but Serge's final duty station was Charlotte, and that city became "home" to him. Through his work, he became a tireless advocate for the protection of children. After he retired, he turned his energy toward preventing elder fraud, working for AARP. He also served his country in the National Guard. To relieve some of the stress of his work as an Inspector, Serge and Sue became clowns. Their names were Salami and SooGee. They excelled at balloon animals, something their sons can still hear to this day. Serge and Sue loved to travel. They went on dozens of cruises, even teaching craft classes on some of them. Serge was a proud Italian-American. He was a member of the Italian American Cultural Association, and the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy, Giuseppe Verdi lodge #315. He still spoke Italian with family members and friends. Serge was a voracious reader and would read anything printed, no matter the format or content. He loved to tell stories and jokes. The jokes were always funny, even if he couldn't remember the punchline. Serge is survived by his beloved wife Sue. His legacy will be carried on by his family, sons Len and his wife Terri, Mike and his wife Teresa; as well as his three grandsons, Matt and his wife Ashley, Cosmo, and Max.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19th at 10 am at Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you order a cannoli the next time you see it on a menu, and enjoy it with a fond memory of Serge.

Woody Funeral Home - Atlee Chapel
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 6, 2025.

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3 Entries

Arabella aka Mary Sherrow

July 12, 2025

I have many fond memories of years of clowning with SooGee & Salami, as well as a wonderful personal friendship with them. I am so saddened to hear of his passing.
Much love to you SooGee.

Lisa and Tim Saunders

July 11, 2025

Serge and Sue were our neighbors in Mountainbrook. Always loved seeing them drive off in their clown costumes! Our children loved the maze of their backyard. They were both the friendlies and nicest of neighbors. We still live in the same house and rememeber the Gigantes with great fondness and recall them pushing their grandson's stroller around the block. Now we do the same thing. We send love and prayers to Sue.

Robert Dartnall

July 8, 2025

SooGee, while I´m saddened to hear of Salami´s passing I am recalling fond memories of him and you at CC events and the parties you hosted at your home. You both were very special people to FooFoo, and will always be remembered. God Bless you and your family, warm regards Mr.FooFoo.

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Memorial Events
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Jul

19

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Woody Funeral Home-Atlee

9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Funeral services provided by:

Woody Funeral Home Atlee Chapel

9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

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