Obituary of Donald L. Gioia

Donald Louis Gioia of Wappingers Falls, went to be with our Lord on May 28, 2012. He was 81. Son of the late Anthony and Lena Farrell, he was born on May 30, 1930 in Sayre, Pennsylvania. He married the love of his life, Jane Scofield on December 17, 1950; Mrs. Gioia preceded him in death, passing on March 18, 2008. Mr. Gioia attended Wappingers Schools. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1948-1952 serving on the USS Missouri. After being honorably discharged, he went to work for IBM in Poughkeepsie until his retirement in 1983. In his spare time, Don volunteered his time to Meals-On-Wheels of Wappingers Falls. He was a past member of the Wappingers Elks Lodge #2609 and the Italian Center. He was also an active member of the United Methodist Church of Wappingers Falls. Survivors include his daughter, Deborah McGarvey and her husband, John; sons, Edward Gioia and his wife, Terri, and David Gioia and his wife, Karen; brother, Robert Gioia; sister, Theresa Stevens; aunt, Victoria Lopez; grandchildren, Erin Muller and her husband, Todd, Elizabeth Langan and her husband, Tom, Timothy Gioia and his fiancé Sara Ferrier, and Michael Gioia; five great-grandchildren, Elorah, Alanah and Finian Muller, and Thomas John and Janey Langan; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Ippolito Gioia; brother, Anthony Farrell; and sister, Renee Sidote. Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Wappingers Falls, Mesier Avenue and East Main Street. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m.; Pastor Scharlise Dorsey will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don's name may be made to the United Methodist Church of Wappingers Falls, 9 South Mesier Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street in Wappingers Falls. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.