Gianni Maria Lovato, né Giovanni, passed away on July 2, 2024 at the age of 82.

He was born on April 28, 1942 in Milan, Italy to Maria Organo and Antonio Lovato of Vicenza.

Gianni was a meteorologist in the Italian Air Force after flying sail planes in the Italian alps as a teenager.

After military service, he became a textile engineer for Caperdoni, installing their renowned jacquard loom in Sao Paolo, Geneva, Sarajevo and New York. In 1969, he settled in Forest Hills, Queens and later raised a family in Plainview, Long Island.

After finishing a career in textiles and apparel, Gianni moved to Chatham, NY where he quickly discovered an infectious joy for life while caring for his beloved cats Mango and Priscilla.

There, in retirement, he was a loyal friend to many, as well as being a line cook, a cheesemonger, local Quiz Night MC, community farmer, food coop worker, substitute language teacher, fellow curmudgeon, a menace behind the wheel and on the occasional open-mic night, a legend in his own mind.

He is survived by his loving sons Andrew and David and daughters-in-law Jonalou and Debra.

As per his wishes, a Party in Celebration of Gianni's Life will be held on Aug. 24th from 12noon - 6pm in Chatham, NY.

For details, please see the posted flyers in town.