In Loving Memory of Charles Michael Gianola
(1933-2024)
Charles Gianola died peacefully surrounded by his family, at the age of 91. Charles was born in Vallejo, California, the only child of Swiss Italian immigrants Carlo and Elizabeth Gianola. He attended Vallejo High School where he played baseball. After earning both his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his juris doctorate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, he began his legal career working for the Attorney General’s office before returning to Vallejo to join Congressman Robert Leggett’s office in private practice.
During his 43-year career, his dedication to the legal profession was exemplary, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues and clients alike. Charles served as President of the Solano County Bar Association and appeared before the United States Supreme Court. Following in his father’s footsteps, Charles served his country in the United States Army. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey, California.
Beyond the courtroom, Charles was a man of diverse interests. An avid investor, he possessed a shrewd understanding of the markets. His interests extended to cultural artifacts, where he found joy in discovering and preserving art works and antiquities. Being a bibliophile, his collection of books, including cherished first editions, was a testament to his appreciation for great literature.
Yet, amidst his many accomplishments, Charles’ greatest source of pride was his family. He was a loving father and husband. Though Charles’ beloved wife, Gloria Gianola, preceded him in death, her memory remained a guiding light in his life. Together, they shared a bond that transcended time and space, a testament to 62 years of marriage and the enduring power of love. He leaves behind his four children Michael Gianola, Elizabeth Gianola (James Cook), Jacqueline Gianola-Quinn (Joseph Quinn), Jennifer Gianola and two grandchildren William Michael Quinn and Alexander Charles Gianola Cook.
As we bid farewell to a remarkable man, let us take solace in knowing that his legacy will forever be etched in our memories. Rest in peace, dear Charles, knowing that your spirit will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you. In memoria con amore, riposa in pace eterna. (In loving memory, rest in eternal peace). The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Charles Gianola’s name.”
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
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