Ross Gino Giovannoni, 56, died Wednesday, Jan. 22, eight days after an operation and a brief illness.

He was born in Oakdale to parents Leroy and Norma Giovannoni. He spent the first 37 years of his life in the Oakdale area. The last 19 years of his life, he lived in McCall, Idaho.

He attended Oakdale grammar schools and graduated from Oakdale High School in 1976. He attended Modesto Junior College, the University of Nevada Reno, and Fresno State University. He graduated from Fresno State University with a BA degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mr. Giovannoni was an excellent athlete and participated in sports his entire life. He excelled in football and received a scholarship to play for the University of Nevada Reno.

He loved the outdoors; hunting, fishing, winter sports, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling with friends. He loved to ride his big motorcycle on extended trips throughout beautiful Idaho.

He had great mechanical ability and could fix almost any mechanical problem. He loved restoring older, run-down vehicles and then selling them for a profit. Sometimes he would be working on five or six vehicles at a time.

He is survived by his father, Leroy Giovannoni; brother, Kirt (Lindy) Giovannoni; uncle, Gary (Dorothy) Giovannoni; nephew, Casey Giovannoni; niece, Katey (Bryan) Choate; and best and longtime friend, Robert Goff.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Giovannoni; and grandparents, Gino and Dena Giovannoni and Jewel and George Russell.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 West F St.

In lieu of gifts, remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.