Frederick “Sonny” Giovannini, 68, Piedmont, California
Frederick “Sonny” Giovannini, 68, of Piedmont, California, died suddenly while bicycling in the Oakland Hills on Oct. 16. Fred was the beloved husband of 20 years to Renni Lyn Burge. He was born in New Haven on Dec. 26, 1942, son of the late Margaret Dixon-Giovannini and Frederick (Gumbo) Giovannini. He was a 1960 graduate of West Haven High School and a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University.
Fred moved to California in 1972 where he pursued many business ventures. He retired a few years ago and spent much of his time travelling throughout the world with his wife and many friends. He was an avid bicyclist and cycled throughout many third world countries. Fred had a passion for different cultures, bicycling, reading and spending time with family and friends. His other interests included hiking, golfing, skiing, and entertaining family and friends, especially at his second home in Lake Tahoe, California.
Fred’s exuberance, love of life, laughter, generosity, and guidance to all who knew him will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his sisters, Margaret Ghiroli and her husband Dante of Branford and Maria-Elena Stone and her husband Earl of Baltimore, Maryland; a brother, Edward Giovannini of Branford; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering in celebration of Fred’s life on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Donovan’s Reef Restaurant, 1212 Main St., Branford, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Those wishing to celebrate and honor Fred’s life may donate to The Frederick J. Giovannini Endowment Scholarship Fund at Southern Connecticut State University. Donations may be sent to SCSU Foundation at 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515 (please note Frederick J. Giovannini Endowment).