Luigi Ponziano Antonio ‘Tony’ Giannini, of Memphis, Tennessee died two months shy of 101 years old on June 25, 2024 at his residence. He was predeceased by his parents Iginia Belluomini Giannini and Anthony John Giannini, his wife of 65 years Jeanne Monaghan Giannini, his siblings: Clorinda Wolf (Bill), Mary Davis (Oliver), Joseph Giannini, brother-in-law Paul Hartz, son-in-law, Al Bomar and daughter-in-law Debbie Giannini. He is survived by his sister Martha Hartz, sister-in-law Rosemary Giannini, his four children: Kathleen Bomar, Matthew Giannini, Mary ‘Boo’ Martin and Mark Giannini as well as three grandchildren and four great- grandchildren.
Tony served as a U.S. Navy Fighter pilot during World War II. He had a 38 year long career with Ronco Foods in various roles and retired as the General Manager.
He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and a long time parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where he was a lector and an usher.
Tony’s hobbies ran the gamut: woodworking, genealogy, square dancing, golfing and fishing. He could make a delicious loaf of Italian bread and a stout limoncello. He never passed up an opportunity to enjoy watermelon or his twice daily ice cream cones. He spent many years in camaraderie with the Holy Spirit Fun Group and the Community Exercise Class.
He loved to ‘play in the dirt’ as a volunteer at Lichterman Nature Center. He was a former Master Gardener who tended to the rose garden at Holy Rosary Church. He was also an active volunteer for many years with Habitat for Humanity, the Pink Palace Craft Fair, the Memphis Public Library and the Memphis Italian Festival.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the wonderful staff of Methodist Hospice with special thanks to Stephanie, Rebekah and Marilyn for their kindness, support and care.
His funeral Mass will be held as Holy Rosary Church on Park Ave. at 10 am on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:15 am. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St Jude, Holy Rosary School or the charity of your choice.
