Visiting Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4 – 8 PM at Torregrossa Funeral Home, 1305 79th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228
Funeral Mass Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 9:45 AM at Sacred Hearts – St. Stephen Church, 125 Summit Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Private entombment to follow at the Basilica of Regina Pacis, 1230 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219
For more information please call Scotto Funeral Home at 718-875-2515
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to one of the following charities in honor and memory of Giovanni Gigante’s beautiful life:
1) Blood Cancer United’s Patient Aid Program
2) American Diabetes Association
3) The Special Needs Autism Program of New York
4) Saint Jude’s Children Hospital
Giovanni Gigante, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and brother, passed away, after a difficult battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on August 13, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born on November 4, 1937, in Mola Di Bari, Italy, Giovanni immigrated to the United States in 1962, where he would eventually become a very proud U.S. citizen. Affectionately known as Nino, John, “Big Guy”, Nonno, or simply as Dad, his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.
After settling in New York, Giovanni worked to provide for his family. Known for his commitment and tireless dedication, he became a longshoreman on the Brooklyn Piers. Giovanni found additional work at El Caribe Catering Hall and with his brother Dominick at Mola Auto Collision.
Giovanni valued the friendships and connections he made throughout his life. He was a proud member of the St. Mary’s Senior Club in Brooklyn, where he enjoyed spending time with friends, and celebrating his Italian heritage.
Above all, Giovanni treasured his family. For over 64years, he was a devoted husband to Caterina (nee Palazzo). He was a loving father and father in law to Joseph (Felice), Dominick (Grace), Vito (Monica), and Anthony (Rolando). He leaves ten grand-children, five great grand-children and his siblings Vito, Silvia and Dominick. He enjoyed simple things such as delicious meals at home; because no restaurant food compared to his loving wife’s cooking. Giovanni often visited with friends and loved spending time at his son’s homes, tohelp in any way needed. We often joked about his enormous strength as he pulled trees from their roots!
He was preceded in death by his parents Isabella,Giuseppe, and Rosa Maria, and his daughter in law, Jane McEvoy.
His life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American dream. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the memories he leaves.
I want to share a wonderful memory of our dear uncle Nino, there were many but one stands out! I remember all the good times in Manhattan beach, crapping and swimming. Uncle Nino was a true gentleman always kind and respectful to everyone. I will always cherish and appreciate all the wonderful times we had at each other’s homes. With love & forever in our hearts!💔
Rest in peace Mr. Gigante and thank you raising your son Dominick who has become my best friend for the last 38 years and has always been there for me whenever I needed a helping hand. My condolences to the entire Gigante family.
Helllo everyone, I am the neighbor live on the same block for 24 years. We shared garden vegetables and fruits to each other, he also brought a plate of home made cookies for us, it was awesome. We enjoyed it. He was always waved his hand to me when I made a U turn in front his house. I will miss his presence of kindness and helpfulness for long as I live.
Kanji
I want to share a wonderful memory of our dear uncle Nino, there were many but one stands out! I remember all the good times in Manhattan beach, crapping and swimming. Uncle Nino was a true gentleman always kind and respectful to everyone. I Will always cherish and appreciate all the wondertul times we had at each other’s homes. With love & forever in our hearts!💔
Nino was always the consumate gentleman, husband, father, nonno and bisnonno. He was the definition of class and he asked for nothing yet gave so very much. He was a total family man who lived for and cherished his family. The world was a better place with him in it. People like him come around rarely. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION NINO.
I will never forget when I was young and you played Santa. They said it wasn’t you but I eventually figured it out. You brought me something I wanted so bad. For those in the family you know what that was.
Most of all I especially loved all our family gatherings. Sharing great food, fun and memories together.
Uncle Nino,you were the best. All the years we spent together, Manhattan Beach, the stoops on 2nd Place and 3rd Place, the dinners and birthday parties, not to mention the holidays. You were always there in every memory that I have. You will be missed but most of all you were loved.