Gino Joseph La Giglia

June 1, 1982 ~ August 8, 2021

Gino Joseph La Giglia, age 39, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2021.  He was born on June 1, 1982, in Kankakee, IL to Maureen La Giglia and Michael La Giglia.

Gino lived in Illinois, Montana, Idaho, and Utah.  He attended elementary and high school in Monticello, UT, where he played football and drums in the high school band.  

He had a love of music and played drums till the very end.  He loved playing his drum set to hard rock, rock and roll, and country.  He became a very accomplished drummer, playing with many friends.  

He graduated from Monticello High School in May 2001.  After he graduated, he attended the Utah College of Massage Therapy, Southern Utah University, and the University of Phoenix.  He was pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.

He served his country in the US Army, Utah Army National Guard from August 2004 through March 2016.  Gino was truly dedicated to serving his country, and we all remember him for his saying of, “God, Country, and Family.”

Many of his family called him GI Joe, a nickname since he was a little boy.  He always wanted to serve his country from a young age.  He was medically discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 2016.

He is survived by his daughter Gia Liberty La Giglia, seven years old.  Also by Maureen La Giglia (mother); Michael La Giglia (father); brothers Mario (Bridget), Dominick, Brendan (Tori), and sister Kristina Ksiazkiewicz (Joshua).  He also had 11 nieces and nephews.

His daughter Gia was the “light of his world” and he loved her very much.  He taught Gia everything he could about life on the mountains, also all about firearm safety and how to shoot a rifle.  

He exhibited much pride in his daughter; she meant the world to him.  He left her a written journal and hand drawn pictures so she can always have him in her heart.

Gino’s passion in life was his love of the Abajo Mountains and Lake Powell.  He camped many of months up on the Blues and never wanted to leave them.  

He had many campfires which he loved to have his family and friends attend. Lake Powell always held a special place in his heart with his golden retriever, Toby.  These places brought him peace of mind.

Card of thanks
Words cannot express how grateful we are to live in such a caring community of San Juan County.  

Many thanks to all the friends of Gino and our family that came by to share stories of him, that made us laugh and cry.  We appreciate all the prayers for him and our family.  The food was amazing, and we enjoyed it very much.  

It was overwhelming for us to handle this sad time in our lives, but this community is and was amazing.  

Thank you!

San Juan Record

49 South Main St
PO Box 879
Monticello, UT 84535

Phone: 435.587.2277
Fax: 435.587.3377
news@sjrnews.com
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