Giovanni Lomonaco

Giovanni LoMonaco, 67, of Hampton, VA, passed away January 23, 2013 at Norfolk Heart Hospital while surrounded by his loving family. Giovanni was preceded in death by his mother Francesca Misseri LoMonaco, and his father Luciano LoMonaco, of Palermo, Sicily. Giovanni was born in Palermo, Sicily September 29, 1945. He came to the United States in 1968, where he worked in New York briefly before moving to Virginia. In 1970 he married Gloria Vitale of Hampton, and they had 3 children together. He owned and operated Giovanni’s Little Italy Restaurants in the Hampton Roads area for over 30 years and inspired scores of relatives to open Italian restaurants in Virginia. He made his name as pizza man extraordinaire, spending most of his career in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake. He made many special friends and loyal customers, being known for his quick wit and generous spirit. Giovanni was a passionate, charming and flirtatious man. He loved opera and sports, especially soccer. He was a fierce competitor and tenacious learner, who excelled in any sport or game he attempted. He was a seeker of knowledge with an uncanny memory for historical and political information. Above all else, he adored and cherished his family. Becoming a grandfather was his immeasurable joy. The unconditional love and laughter he brought to his children and grandchildren was unparalleled. He is deeply missed by all he touched. Giovanni leaves behind to cherish his memory his adored children Francesca, Lucian, and Anthony, and spouses, as well as his precious grandchildren Giovanni, Madison, Adriana, and Joseph. He is also survived by his sister Maria, and brothers Nunzio and Maurizio, and their spouses and children, friend and former spouse Gloria Vitale, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, in the United States and Italy. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home. Family and friends will gather after the service at the Sycamore Rouge Theater in Petersburg. It was Giovanni’s wish that his ashes go back to Palermo, Sicily, and be scattered at Addaura in the Tirreno Sea, a special place where he spent his childhood swimming and diving for sea urchins. Memorial donations to support his wish may be made c/o Karen Kiss, 112 Sundrops Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22902 ( lomokiss@juno.com ) or at his service. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .