Dear Donna,
You have been in my thoughts lately.  As I realized yesterday was John’s Anniversary.  My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.  Wish I was there to give you a big hug.  Miss you!

Dear Donna , Francie and Jay.
This may be a silly memory but I loved it.
I always loved the way John said my name, Audrey. It still makes me smile when someone pronounces with  a West coast accent.
Saying prayers today for all the wonderful 
memories in your hearts 

With love,
Audrey


I played high school football with John , he was an outstanding offensive guard, but also played left defensive end and I was the right defensive end. He and I had verbal arguments as to who was the better defensive end. It was all in fun and I thought the world of him.  I saw him at the reunion and was shocked to learn that he passed, he looked in such good physical condition.  I am truly sorry to hear of his passing and pray peace for the family!

I was fortunate to be a teammate of John's on the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team. I remember John transferring in from California and what an impact he had. He was a hard-hitting offensive guard, a gifted athlete and a good teammate. I was saddened to learn this week from fellow teammates that John had passed. My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family. Rest in peace, my friend.

My favorite memory of John was a trip we took with our families to Buxton NC in 1998. It was a fabulous week of surfing, days at the beach, great dinners together and the begining of an important friendship with John and his beautiful family. Also,  we watched 101 Dalmations so many times that week we knew the characters' lines! 
Donna, Jay and Fran, I am so sorry for youur loss. Please know my thoughts are with you. 
With love, JoAnn Phoenix

It was my pleasure to be a science teacher with John at the junior high school.
He will be remembered.

Dear Donna,
We’re sending you our heartfelt condolences.
Ken and I have many  fond memories of you
and John when our children were little. 
Please send our love to Francis and JJ.
Love,
Judy and Ken Tully

Donna,
Please accept my condolences at this difficult time.  Can’t imagine...

Ann Duncan

Donna and family,
Are thoughts are with you on this very difficult day!  Remember to take every opportunity to listen to the memories your family and friends will share with you.  I’m sure those memories will not only provide you some comfort and smiles in the days and months ahead!  :-) Hugs! They will also provide some smiles a laughter too and you even may find another side to John that you weren’t fully aware of! :-) He was an incredibly generous, intelligent and thoughtful  gentleman with a heart of gold! We are so thankful to have been able to share experiences and wonderful memories with him!
A huge huge and best wishes from Tim and Stephanie Smith

Our heartfelt condolences to you Donna, and your family.
May the comfort and support of those who love you,
Along with the memories you hold so deeply locked within
Your heart, give you strength at this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,
Love, 
Colleen & Joe 



Dear Donna & family,

I am so very sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. Please know that you & your family are in my thoughts.  May you find comfort in the love and memories of a shared lifetime.

With love, 
Susan B. (Zumba)

Sorry we are unable to be with you and your family at this difficult time, Donna.  We were fortunate to have had a few fun dinners with you and John and so enjoyed his company.  Sending our heart feel sympathy to you and your family on this tremendous loss.  David and Marsha

Dear Donna, Francie, J. and Family,

Please, accept our heartfelt condolences.
May you find strength in the love all around you and comfort in wonderful memories.  Especially remembering  great family memories in Hawaii.

With Love and Prayers,

Audrey and Steve

We have shared memories with Donna and John Gist from Coast to Coast. There are no words to express how much his life and his persona have meant to so many. Highly intelligent, athletic, patriotic, creative, musical, bike-riding, and most importantly, a  good family man who appreciated and nurtured the domestic, we will always remember, these, his strengths and gifts. 
The Cannarella Family
Elaine, Dick, Meghan, Richard and Jane-Rebecca

Donna I am so sorry. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. 

Love
Lisa (your zumba friend)

I met John and (Donna) on a disney cruise and we became friends since then 
we did a trip together to new zealand and later that year i was invited to spent christmas at their home
We also took a trip to florida together

donna and family my sincere thoughts are with u

Dear Donna and Family,
        I am so sorry about the tremendous loss you have suffered. My heart felt condolences and many prayers are with you now.
      God just gave Angel Wings to the most gentle giant and special person I have ever known.  John was loved and will be sorely missed but never forgotten!
    All my Love, Claudia xoxoxo

Dear Donna and family.  So sorry for your loss. Please know we are all thinking of you and keeping your family and you in our prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. 

Your Zumba buddy, 
Lathika Nair 

A few years ago Jack and I were invited  for a lovely dinner at John and Donnas ( my cousins ) home. 
After dinner we were sitting in their living room when John stood up and said “ I just want to tell you something”    He was quite serious and we were nervous about what was to be said.   With tears in his eyes John told me how grateful he was that I helped he and Donna find the right doctor for JJ when he was an infant.   John said he would never forget. 
And I will never forget Johns kind words.

OBITUARY

John Earl Gist III

April 14, 1950 – December 29, 2020

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes - Miller Place

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