John Anthony Gioia passed away in Georgetown, Texas on August 18, 2026, with his faithful and loving wife, Fran, by his side. He was born November 12, 1941, in New York, New York to Tony and Nicholina Gioia.

John had many vivid stories of his early years in Manhattan’s lower East Side and frequently referred to his neighborhood along Forsyth Park as straight out of “West Side Story.” Some of his mother’s family lived in the same apartment building as him and the large and boisterous Gioia clan could be found in Brooklyn for Sunday dinners at the grandparents’ house.

John later moved with his parents and sister to Garden City, New York where the family had their own home with a yard for the first time. The band of friends he gathered playing sports and attending Sewanhaka High School remain in place to this day. His academic excellence and love of lacrosse continued during his time at the University of Maryland.

John began his career with IBM and moved to Atlanta, where he met his future wife, Fran. John would often refer to their time in “Hotlanta” as full of parties, friends and trips with Atlanta Ski Club. Soon John and Fran would welcome their firstborn, Stephanie.

John’s career took the family to Houston where there were new friends, involvement in Mystery Club, and his precious Nicole was born. John spent his time working hard but also enjoying neighborhood block parties and pool parties, trips to Galveston, the girls’ soccer practices and school events.

When John moved from IBM to Lexmark, it took the family to North Texas. In Plano John gathered new friends but kept close ties to many of the Houston crew. John began to coach lacrosse at Plano Senior High School, which Stephanie and Nicole attended. He spent many hours attending his daughters’ performances and recitals, teaching them to drive, and helping with schoolwork.

John’s retirement to Sun City allowed him to spend more time playing golf and attend lectures at Southwestern University. John easily made new friends among the other retirees and soon became one of the “3 Amigos”. Living in Sun City also provided John the opportunity to regularly attend dances with Fran. John especially enjoyed those with the Country Western Dance Club, and if you ever saw them at one, you know they could really cut a rug!

Woven throughout the years John took many beach trips, any beach being a place of joy and relaxation for him. John often reminisced about his “first” beach, Jones Beach NY, where he had a summer job. John and Fran honeymooned in Key West and Miami. They soon had a condo on Santa Rosa Island FL, which allowed them to have many memorable family vacations. John also earned several beach trips as part of IBM’s Golden Circle, the highest global employee recognition program, and the 100% Club. Sprinkled in were trips to Hatteras Island, Mexico, and many Florida destinations. After moving to Sun City, John was able to spend many sun-soaked days cruising with Fran (and friends) and at their Vero Beach condo.

John is survived by many loving family members including: the love of his life, Fran, dedicated daughter Nicole, Stephanie and Shane McFarland, grandchildren John, Ruth & Anne, sister Frances Hoffmann, special niece Carla Sharrow and her children and grandchildren, many cousins, and friends – from all eras of his long and special life.

John will be remembered for his open and generous spirit, someone who was slow to anger and positive in all walks of life and being - more than occasionally – the life of the party, quick of wit and ready with a grin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's honor to the Special Friends Ministry at The Worship Place or Brookwood in Georgetown: The Welcome Home Fund/Residential Fee Assistance.