Michael P. Giannini

1921 - 02

Michael P. Giannini, 93, of Derry, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, peacefully in his home. He was born Feb. 16, 1921, in Superior, a son of the late Giocondo "John" and Julia (George) Giannini. Michael graduated from Derry Township High School in 1939; he began working for the Pennsylvania Railroad and later accepted a position with Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Derry. Inducted into the armed forces in 1943, he served with the Fifth Infantry, 3rd Army, under Gen. Patton, and was stationed in Europe. While serving, his military honors included the Bronze Star, two Battle Stars, Combat Infantry, American Campaign, and the Good Conduct Medal. Following an honorable military discharge in 1945, he returned to Derry to his position at Westinghouse which he held until his retirement in 1982. Devoted to work and family, he became actively involved in politics serving on the Derry Township School Board in 1947; elected Justice of the Peace in 1960, a position he held until 1972; and was elected Mayor of Derry in 1974 and served until 1980. Elected District Justice in 1981 for Derry Township, Derry Borough and New Alexandria, he also served during this time as President of the Westmoreland County District Justice Association. He retired from the Office of District Justice in 1991. His honors include: 1976 Recipient of the Community Project Award from Westinghouse; Elected Commander of the Derry VFW Post No. 444 from 1986 to 1987; served as VFW District Commander of Westmoreland County from 1996 through 1998; and had served as Senior District Justice since 1992. Other distinctions are: his election in 1996 as the National President of the 5th Army Division and organizer and coordinator of that group's national reunion in Greensburg attracting attendance from veterans of the 5th Division from across the nation. Michael was the 1997 recipient of the Man of the Year Award from the Sons of Italy in America, Latrobe, Lodge No. 1528. He was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Derry, Derry VFW Post No. 444, Blairsville Elks, Slovak Club, Greek Club and the Derry American Legion. Michael was an avid sports fan and was supporter of the Latrobe Derry Old Timers League and the Latrobe Derry Area Teener League. Michael also enjoyed planting his vegetable garden every year. Besides his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann L. (Joe) Giannini; four brothers, Phillip, Andrew, Fred and Ernest; and one sister, Charlotte Calabrese. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Rose (Minni) Petrarca Giannini, of Derry; two sons, Ronald Giannini and wife, Linda, of Danville, Calif., and Terry A .Giannini, and wife, Susan, of Derry Township; two stepsons, Patrick Petrarca and wife, Karen, of Stahlstown, and Michael Petrarca and wife, Marcy, of Latrobe; two stepdaughters, Rose Ann Neiman and husband, Ralph, of Derry, and Georgene Falcon and husband Ken, of Unity Township; one sister, Elizabeth Tommasetti, of Pittsburgh; five grandchildren, Stephen, Jonathan, Wendy, Benjamin and Ryan; five step-grandchildren Kevin, Nick, Carly, Emily and Aaron; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Michael Paul, Talia and Sopfia Ann; two step-great-grandchildren, Dustin and Alex; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Family will receive friends for Michael's life celebration 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, in THE MATTHEW X. MERLIN FUNERAL HOME INC., 529 N. Chestnut St., Derry, 724-694-8331. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held for Michael at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Derry. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Derry. A military service will be conducted by the Blairsville Military Service Group at the cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Davoli, The Personal Care Givers, Homestead Unlimited and Vitas Innovation Hospice Care for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Latrobe Derry Old Timers League or the Latrobe Derry Area Teener League, P.O. Box 21, Derry, PA 15627.