Dr. G. was born in Oil City, PA Jan. 2 1924. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Dr. Marianne Giangreco (married June 1949); parents: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Giangreco; sisters, Mary, Lena and Sue; and brother Guy. (Sister Angie still living)
Dr. G. retired as Supt of Iowa School for the Deaf and was made Emeritus. His children are; Marianne Evanda Burgeson and husband Norm and Joseph Brook Giangreco and wife Samantha. There are six grandchildren; James, Josh, Wesley Giangreco, Haleigh Palmer, Amanda (husband Jordan), Samantha Burgeson, and great grandchild, Amelia.
Dr. G. was a graduate of Burgard Voc. High School in Buffalo, NY as an airplane mechanic in 1942 and received an E/A license.
He worked at Bell Aircraft in pre-flight, before enlisting (Dec. 1941) and being called to active duty in the army in December 1942. He took surgical training and was assigned to the 540th Field Artillery (Long Toms) serving as a surgical technician. He was in combat in France, Germany, and Holland. He worked at Gardner General Hospital in Chicago, until he was discharged in July, 1946.
He earned a Bachelors degree in Education and Psychology from Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL; a MA in special education from Columbia U. in New York City; a MA in School Administration from Gallaudet U. in Washington DC.; and an EDD (Doctorate in Psychology) from the U. of Nebraska. He also did post graduate work at Iowa State, Tufts U., Univ. of Colorado, Creighton U., and U. of Illinois.
Dr. G. began his teaching career at the Illinois School for the Deaf; taught at Gallaudet U., and was 33 years at the Iowa School for the Deaf, serving as High School Principal, Asst. Supt. and Superintendent for 23 years. While employed at ISD, he taught Extension classes for UNO, Univ. of Iowa and Iowa State.
Dr. G was an active member of the Conference of Executives of Schools for the Deaf. He taught night classes at Council Bluffs schools, was active in the United Way and Red Cross, and after retirement, he volunteered with the Red Cross, and served on the Disaster Team, taking part in six disasters across the US and Hawaii.
Upon retirement in 1987, Dr. G. and family moved to a farm in the Waubonsie Hills south of Glenwood, IA, where they established a wildlife habitat and preservation of geological uniqueness.
Dr. G. and his wife, Dr. Marianne, published three books and wrote numerous articles. He also presented papers at National and International meetings. He and Marianne traveled and visited all 50 states; most of Europe, Canada, and Mexico.
Private Graveside services will be held at Diamond Grove Cemetery, Jacksonville, IL, Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the Waubonsie Church Fund, 63718 Pease Road Glenwood, Iowa 51534
Visitation:Wednesday, February 3, 2016
7:00 PM
,
Service:Monday, February 6, 2017
4:30 PM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534
11 Condolences
We are deeply saddened by your father’s death. We send our condolences to your family.
Jerry and Bonnie Siders
I did not know you for very long but we will miss your visits to the library. RIP Joe..
I am sure missed him .. He is Great person I have ever know .. I still have newspaper of him visiting with me and other girls while we were sick in hospital in ISD .. He is wonderful man to all kids in ISD .. for a very long time .. my prayer sent to all his families .. sorry for your loss . and He will be happy in heaven .. Wish I could come up and give respect him .. but too far .. and he will always in my thoughts … loves. caring, smily , happier .. take care~
I am so very sad to hear of this. I just spoke to Joe last week. I will miss his weekly visits to the grocery store. He was one of the sweetest persons I have ever met. My condolences to the family. Kari Williams
I worked under Dr.Giangreco for many years. His concern was always for the school and his staff and I respected him.
Denny Drake
Uncle Rick will never be forgotten.Your dad’s zest for life and living it on his own terms is a lesson to us all, life is too short to sit around and watch it pass us by….good memories of a life well lived…
Our Christian condolence goes to Dr. Joe Giangreco’s family in the loss of their beloved father and grandfather. May God comfort them during the sorrow times.
LaWayne Beery ’59 and Anita Beery (Lehman) ’63
I knew your father through my nephews Anthony and Bob,who spoke very highly of your father,their uncle and I would like to express our condolences to you and family and them.
So very sorry about your dad Joe, He was such a sweet man!!! ♡
I did not know Joe well, but I would see him often at the YMCA. He always had a smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a bounce in his step, even at such an advanced age. He was a person who just made you smile. God bless you, Joe.
C. Joseph Giangreco,
Had been wondering about you and I see that you went on home.
Until next time.
Vicki Welch.
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