Gabriel DiGiovanni DiGiiovanni, 83, passed away peacefully on June
3, 2013 in Chesapeake.

He is survived by his wife and greatest love of 62 years, Joann DiGiovanni; a daughter, Johanna Toth and her husband, Michael; three sons, Carlo DiGiovanni of Virginia Beach, James DiGiovanni of Suffolk, and Edward DiGiovanni of Suffolk; three grandchildren, Jaclyn Herrmann and her husband Rickie; Kristen Walter and her husband Patrick, and
Kaitlin Toth; three great grandchildren; Jakson and Carter Walter, and Garrett Herrmann. He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph DiGiovanni.

Gabriel was born in Italy October 20, 1929 and came to America when he was
9 years old. He was one of five boys and grew up and attended school in Queens. He learned to play the accordion at a young age and became the manager of the Cherokee Orchestra Band. He met Joann while performing at a wedding. Mom and dad married and moved to Virginia in ’52. Gabriel worked as a construction foreman but always had a love for building so he studied Architectural Drafting and proceed to build several homes with his wife one of which they lived until retirement.

Gabriel was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Presentation where he was a Eucharistic Minister, parish council member and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

His children have been blessed with a wonderful loving dad that always encouraged them
and inspired their faith by example. Thanks for the lovely memories!

Thank you to the many recent care givers particularly Sentara Village & Chesapeake Health & Rehabilitation for all their love and dedication. Gabriel was affectionately referred to as Mr. D, Angel Gabriel and Romeo! The family is grateful for the love and support by many friends and family. A heart-felt thanks to Fr. Brian Rafferty of St. Stephen Martyr in Chesapeake and Fr. Ken Wood of St. Mary of the Presentation in Suffolk.

The top 10 things Gabe will be remembered for . . . .

10. For many years he was the St. Mary’s Coffee Maker – – the stronger the better.

9. His Sundays were for church and food – – that’s a Mass followed by a mass of meatballs.

8. He was like the Paparazzi; always taking photos and movies — but not necessarily well.

7. His love for spaghetti westerns, Godzilla and Tarzan

6. Wearing his “Pop hat” everywhere

5. As a fine dresser – – except on the beach where he wore his dark socks and shoes with shorts.

4. He loved gardening and working in the greenhouse, he could grow anything from a cutting.

3. He gave rides to children (and dogs) on his pimped out scooter.

2. He was a famous; okay infamous wine maker!

1. Most of all, Gabe will be remembered for the love and devotion he had for his friends, his family and his wife of 62 years.

Please share a memory with the family via the Online Guestbook.