Carmelo (Mel) Gianino passed away at home on Sunday night, January 28, 2024 with his loving family close to his side. He was born in Elmhurst, Queens on October 21, 1943, and was the only child of the late Rosario and Carmela (nee Conti) Gianino. He grew up in Elmhurst where he met lifelong friends and his beautiful wife, Donna (nee Murphy). Mel and Donna celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in October. They have two daughters, Lori Moran (husband Michael) and Beth Gianino; and three grandsons, Luke, Jack, and Liam. He adored his grandchildren and loved nothing more than to spend time with his family.
Mel graduated from St. Bartholomew’s grammar school, Monsignor McClancy High School, and St. Francis College in Brooklyn where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Mel and his family moved to Floral Park in 1976, where he lived ever since. He worked at the Port Authority of NY & NJ and worked his way up, starting out as a young man in the mailroom. During his time at the Port Authority, he served as Manager of the Holland Tunnel and as the Manager of the Observation Deck of the World Trade Center. When he retired in 2002, he was a Chief Labor Negotiator. Mel loved his work, and he was proud of his career. He survived two World Trade Center terror attacks.
Mel loved to make wine, putter in his garden, play and watch sports, and do woodworking. He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees, Giants, and Knicks. He created strong and loving relationships throughout his life and was always willing to help anyone. Mel will also be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. His family will miss him beyond words but is comforted that his suffering from corticobasal degeneration is over and that he is now at peace.
In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation to Cure PSP or the Mast Cell Disease Society.
VISITATION
Friday
February 2, 2024
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home FP
29 Atlantic Avenue
Floral Park, NY 11001
FUNERAL MASS
Saturday
February 3, 2024
9:30 AM
St. Anne's RC Church
35 Dartmouth Street
Garden City, NY 1153