Michael Angelo Giannetti, 67, of Manchester, NH died Friday, September 22, 2006 after a prolonged bout with life. Mr. Giannetti was born in Natick, MA on March 23, 1939, the youngest child of John and Vincenza (Zappitelli) Giannetti, Sr. The child of Italian immigrants who had no more than an elementary school education, Mr. Giannetti was a true “renaissance man” whose first occupation was working as a reporter and photographer for the Natick (MA) Bulletin. After being honorably discharged from the US Air Force in 1958, where he served in Germany, he attended Boston University and Iowa State University’s Writer’s Workshop without graduating from either institution. Despite his lack of a bachelor’s degree, Mr. Giannetti was accepted to Suffolk University School of Law. After graduating from Suffolk University, his first case was before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts arguing that he should be allowed to sit for the bar exam, and upon passing, should be accepted as a member of the Massachusetts Bar; he prevailed.
In 1969, he married Mona Jacobson of Gloversville, NY. They were married by a Buddhist monk, though Mr. Giannetti was born into the Catholic Church and Mona was Jewish. After his admittance to the Bars of Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, he worked for West Publishing Company in Mineola, NY as a legal editor. Mr. Giannetti was an accomplished, plumber, electrician, carpenter, roofer, architect, stonemason, and demolition demon in the evening as he refurbished his “fixer-upper” home, all while holding his full-time position.
Beginning in 1992, Mr. Giannetti began working as an administrative judge for the City of New York, which he held for three years. While residing in Manchester, NH he left this position to refurbish Chez Giannetti in Natick, MA with his son, Jason and his older brother, John. Mr. Giannetti was later offered the position of Supervised Study Mentor at Londonderry High School in Londonderry, NH. In this capacity, Mr. Giannetti was influential in helping students with academic and life challenges.
Throughout his life Mr. Giannetti applied himself to numerous professions, though it turns out that his final role was the one that suited him and his talents most. Often, he fondly recalled to friends and family success stories of his students who referred to him as “The Judge.” Only a few weeks ago while in the hospital recovering from an operation, Mr. Giannetti was told his recovery time would probably take longer than expected, to which he said, “I can’t stay that long.” When asked why he replied, “School opens in a couple of weeks, my kids are depending on me.”
Those who count themselves survivors of this awe-inspiring man include his wife, Mona (Jacobson) Giannetti; son, Jason Giannetti; sister, Theresa D’Ericco; and two brothers: John Giannetti, Jr. and Louis Giannetti.
There were no calling hours. A service was held on Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 1 PM in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. Burial was held on Monday, September 25th at 11 AM at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Pond Rd., Natick, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Giannetti Memorial Fund, c/o Bank of America, 175 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053.