Christian Michael Gianola

Christian Michael Gianola, 97, a longtime resident of White Plains, New York, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Christian (Chris) was born on November 2nd, 1924 in Proctor, Vermont, the marble capital of the USA. Chris was one of seven children born to Maria Grazia (Giannini) and Gennaro Gianola.

In high school Chris played on four sports teams, played several musical instruments, and participated in band, choir, and musical productions. After graduation from Proctor High School, Chris became the first Gianola to attend college, starting at the University of Vermont. During his pursuit of a dual major in Zoology and Botany, he met his future wife, Mary Patricia Brayton.

Chris was then commissioned into the United States Marine Corps. Following his World War II service in the Marines, Chris completed his dual major Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth College in 1946. In October 1950 he married Mary Patricia Brayton, of Poultney, Vermont and later had five children. He later graduated from Colombia University with a Masters degree in Education.

Chris taught science at Eastview Junior High School, in the White Plains Public Schools for more than 30 years. Chris retired in the mid-1980s and continued to pursue bowling, gardening, singing, golf, bingo, and travel. At the age of 91, Chis found that he had an undiscovered talent for watercolor painting.

Chris was pre-deceased by his parents and his wife, Mary Patricia Gianola, his six siblings; Nicola Genola, Antonio Gianola, Anna Gianola, James Gianola, Carmen Gianola, Armenia Hallisey and his grandson, Michael Patrick Gianola. He is survived by his five children: Thomas Gianola of Vermont, Katherine and Chris Greatwood of Virginia, Nancy and Matthew Hampton of Maryland, Lawrence Gianola of New York, and Robert and Rosalia Gianola of Florida. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Christin Gianola, Jessica Hylback (Spencer), Colin Greatwood (Keara), Miles Greatwood, Christopher Greatwood, Tyler Hampton, Sarah Hampton, James Gianola, John Gianola, and Ryan Gianola.

A mass will be held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Poultney, Vermont, at 10 am on May 7, 2022, with burial to follow directly. A celebration of life will be held at the Echo Lake Inn in Tyson, Vermont, at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either charity:

Christian Gianola Science Scholarship 2022, White Plains City School District, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY 10605

The Alzheimer’s Association (via the Web or Mail) Make a “Tribute Donation” in his name on their website. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/other_ways_to_give or Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC., 20090-6011.