John Giallombardo

In Loving Memory of John Giallombardo

February 5, 1948 – February 17, 2024

John Giallombardo, age 76, passed away peacefully at home in Merrill WI on February 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family with the support of Aspirus Hospice Care.   His family meant everything to him, and he found joy in spending time with them, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

Early in his career, John wore many hats, from a teacher to a restaurant owner of the Giallombardo Downtowner in La Crosse, and even a prison guard for a brief time. He later earned his Master’s Degree in social work and served as a social worker, counselor and adjunct instructor for Viterbo University, Upper Iowa University and North Central Technical College.

A talented artist, John had a passion for painting that he was eager to share with everyone around him. Whether it was to raise funds for charities, such as Pilot Dogs or Lions Club, or to enrich the homes of his friends and family, John enjoyed sharing his paintings at least as much as he enjoyed painting them.

But perhaps John's greatest gift was his ability to make friends with everyone he met. From forming a friendship with the person in front of him in line to befriending a stranger that had dialed a wrong number, John’s genuine kindness and warmth endeared him to all who knew him.

Whether sharing a joke or offering a listening ear, John had a way of making people feel valued and appreciated. With 7 kids and 12 grandkids, he had plenty of practice at finding humor in challenging situations.  His jokes and anecdotes, which you may have heard repeated on occasion, will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his children Rick (Cozette), Laura (Ken), Pat, Ed (Marjorie), Tony (Diana), Dominic (Mary Jane) and Joe (Natalia), his grandchildren Vincent, Vanessa, Valerie, VJ, Tyler, Aiden, Lena, Adelynn, Isabelle, Paulo, Margarette, Andrew and Nathan, his siblings Bob Giallombardo, Connie Nightengale-Phillips, Barb Hoffman, Pam Emge, Jacque Jensen, Cathy Georgeson, Fred Nightengale, Bob Nightengale and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents John Giallombardo, Jacqueline and Gene Nightengale and brothers Georgie Giallombardo, Richie Giallombardo and John Nightengale.

Visitation will be held on 3/1/24 at Saint Matthew Catholic Church in Wausau WI starting at 9:30am followed by a funeral Mass at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pilot Dogs (www.pilotdogs.org), Hope Life Center of Wausau, or a charity of your choice in John's memory.

John leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 50 years, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. Though John may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.