Anthony James Giampaolo

Tony was born to Vincenzo and Rose Giampaolo in Glen Cove, NY. He grew up in a home built by his grandfather in a neighborhood filled with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. They were a close-knit Italian family who regularly gathered in each other's homes to visit, eat, and celebrate.

After graduating from Xavier High School in New York City in 1958, he went on to study engineering at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and enrolled in the Air Force ROTC. After graduating in 1960, he was commissioned as a 2nd LT and married his sweetheart of 5 years, Gay Amato of North Babylon, NY. The couple began their married life in Biloxi, MS, followed shortly thereafter by a tour of duty in Sumter, SC where “Tony” and Gay’s family began to grow with the birth of their first two sons, Vince and Frank.

After serving in the Air Force, Tony moved his family to Connecticut where his daughter Lisa and son Gary were born. While in Connecticut, he worked as a mechanical engineer and received a Master of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Connecticut.

The early 1970’s saw more family moves to Florida then Saudi Arabia to work for the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco). During that period, the family enjoyed extensive travel throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

In 1977, the family returned to the states, moving to Mt Vernon, Ohio. That didn’t slow them down though - over the next several decades they enjoyed the adventure of packing up and moving to new locales, including Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona. In all they picked up and moved a total of fifteen times!

Eventually Tony started the company, Power & Compression Systems, and worked as a consultant for a variety of businesses and governmental agencies, including NASA. He authored “The Gas Turbine Handbook: Principles and Practice” (5 editions) and articles for a variety of professional magazines. He taught courses at The California University as a member of their part-time faculty and lectured on a variety of topics around the country. He was also a member of professional, technical, and trade organizations, serving as Chairman of the Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Professional Engineers, and the Technical Editor (Engines-Compressors-Turbines) for Western Energy Magazine.

Mostly, Tony was a family man. He was always happiest when surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Throughout the decades, he supported his children’s and grandchildren’s interests by coaching baseball, attending musical performances and sporting events, and attending any family celebration no matter how far away. As head of the family, his love, wisdom and unwavering spirit will be missed.

Tony was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Giampaolo and his sister, Loretta Giampaolo. He is survived by his wife, Gay Giampaolo; son, Vincent Giampaolo (Amy) of Richmond, VA; son, Frank Giampaolo (Linda) of Laguna Niguel, CA; son, Gary Giampaolo (Tina) of Goodyear, AZ; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass for Anthony will be held Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Saint Killian CHurch, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Following the funeral mass will be a burial at 1:30 PM at El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.