Gianfranco Giammaria Biography
Thanks to the help and support of so many, Gianfranco's legacy lives on.
|
|
Gianfranco Giammaria was born January 13, 1971, to proud parents Nicola and Michelina Giammaria, recent arrivals to Canada from Campobasso, Molise, Italy. Gianfranco was later joined by a sister, Annamaria.
Raised in East Vancouver, Gianfranco attended Hastings Elementary School and was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows. As a boy, Gianfranco was a good student and, like most boys, loved his bike and loved hockey.
He was a bit of an entrepreneur, too, and had a paper route by the age of nine. An altar boy, the young Gianfranco aspired to be "Pope."
|
As a teen,
Gianfranco attended Templeton High school, where he became
the newspaper "shack manager," his leadership
skills and sense of responsibility evident even at this
young age. Still entrepreneurial, he had a part-time job at the PNE as a popcorn vendor. The young Gianfranco had lots of friends, all of whom loved his kind nature and positive, easygoing demeanor.
A successful university career followed high school, with Gianfranco taking his degree from Simon Fraser University, a double major in History and English with a minor in Psychology. He worked for a time at Pacific Lighting and volunteered teaching Catechism at St. Helen's School. It was this experience that made him realize his true calling-teaching. He returned to SFU, where he obtained his Bachelor of Education degree. Initially, Gianfranco substituted in the North Vancouver school district. This lead to a temporary/full-time position teaching Grade 6 at St. Joseph's Elementary. Not long after, he was hired for a permanent position as a Grade 6 teacher at St. Helen's School. From this day on, Gianfranco's dedication blossomed to make him the well respected teacher everyone in the community knew. Happily married with three wonderful kids and a career he loved, his life was full.
Gianfranco's motivation never ceased. He continued his studies and obtained his Masters degree (Science) from the Graduate School of the University of Oregon, USA, all the while maintaining his Vice Principal duties at St. Helen's. In his precious spare time, Gianfranco enjoyed playing hockey with the Burnaby Eagles. He also loved playing soccer and basketball with friends, with his goal being to always stay fit. He also helped out with his son's hockey and soccer teams, and of course, being so happy out of doors, there were lots of leisurely strolls with his family.
Gianfranco was active in the church as a Eucharistic Minister in addition to his involvement with his school's activities. He was also the picture of health, never taking a sick day, which is why his passing was such a shock to his family, friends and colleagues. If there is one thing we have taken from Gianfranco's sudden and untimely passing, it is that we would never want others to have a similar experience. That's why we are so grateful for the wonderful support of organizations devoted to educating the public on SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome), and to Mr. Walter Gretzky as spokesperson for Mediquest, and to everyone involved in stating the need for AED (automated external defibrillator) placement in places of recreational sport.
Thanks to the help and support of so many, Gianfranco's legacy lives on. This will help us, his family and friends, to understand, to heal, and to keep Gianfranco close to us. I know that he would be so proud of the good work being done in his name. On behalf of Gianfranco's family and friends, from the bottom of our hearts-Thank you.
Denise Giammaria
About
Us: GGMS
Backgrounder | Accomplishments |
Gianfranco
Giammaria Biography | In the News |
