GIANCARLO, John (Italo)

(1929 - 2018)

John Giancarlo passed peacefully on November 26, 2018, in his 90th year, leaving his beloved wife Shirley (nee Murchie), son Sandy (Cathy) and granddaughter Summer. A private service has been held with arrangements entrusted to the H.L.

Cudney Funeral Home in Welland. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. John attended Hamilton Teacher’s College in 1948 and began his teaching career in Niagara with the Crowland Public School system in 1949. He and Shirley were married in 1952 and lived in Welland. He continued his education while teaching, earning degrees from McMaster University and the University of Toronto. In 1956 he was appointed Principal of Maple Leaf School in Welland. He continued his career as a Principal until 1967 when he accepted a position as the Chairman of Humanities at the newly constructed Niagara College and went on to become Dean of Applied Arts as the College grew and developed. During his career at Niagara College, John, Shirley and son Sandy moved to Fonthill. John had a great curiosity about our world and the universe and enjoyed reading books on many topics including science, philosophy, nature, health and medicine. He also loved listening to music, particularly big band, jazz, classical and musical theatre. He had a keen interest in other people and showed great thoughtfulness and generosity. One of the highlights of his life over the last thirteen years was spending time with his granddaughter Summer, whom he adored. He had a great love of animals, particularly cats, and he and Shirley enjoyed the companionship of many feline friends over the years. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Welland Humane Society. Online condolences available at

www.cudneyfuneralhome.com