John August Gialanella

John August Gialanella, age 102, died peacefully at his home in Tecumseh, Mich., on December 17, 2016. John was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, who was called to serve just after Pearl Harbor was bombed where he obtained the rank of Major. He was born in Newark, N.J. on August 28, 1914, the son of the late John and Rose (Pace) Gialanella. On November 11, 1940, he married Lee Avallone and they shared 74 years together before her death in 2014.

He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in the Class of 1936 with a degree in civil engineering and he earned the commission of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was called to serve his country in 1941 and commanded with the 306th Field Artillery attached to the 77th Infantry Division. He saw action on Guam, Ie Shima Island and Okinawa as well as serving as occupation force in Hokkaido, Japan. Major Gialanella was awarded the Bronze Star during the Battle for Leyte in the Philippines. After returning from the War, John worked as a Civil Engineer for Napp – Grecco Company, installing natural gas pipelines throughout NJ. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and also of the Knights of Columbus. John was a brave and loyal soldier as well as a loving, giving father and grandfather.

John is survived by his son, John (Sue) Gialanella of Birmingham, Mich.; four grandchildren, John A., Nicholas, Laura and Alex Gialanella; and his brother, Dr. Robert Gialanella of N.J.

He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, Lee and seven brothers.

Memorial Mass for John will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Fr. Daniel Wheeler officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Military Institute.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.

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Tecumseh Herald

 

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