Obituary of Joseph A. Giovinazzo

Joseph A. Giovinazzo, 65, a respected dentist and beloved father and grandfather, died Tuesday in Calvary Hospital, Bronx, from complications of cancer. The lifelong Staten Islander was born on October 22, 1955 to Frank and Isabelle Giovinazzo. He grew up in Great Kills and later settled in Heartland Village after marrying his high school sweetheart, Donna (nee Hartell), in 1980. A graduate of Monsignor Farrell High School, Dr. Giovinazzo earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fairfield University and received his doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After training in conscious sedation dentistry at the VA Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania and completing an internship at Staten Island Hospital, he went on to operate a private, family-focused dental practice in Heartland Village for 36 years. As "Dr. G.," he was well-known in the Staten Island community for his skill, dedication, and compassion for his patients, his family said. An active parishioner of St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Richmondtown, Dr. Giovinazzo enjoyed cooking, traveling, and following sports, especially the New York Yankees and Rangers. He was a devoted father to Frank and Allison, and he delighted in his role as Grandpa to Luke, Audriana, and Evan, his family said. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his good-natured humor and generous spirit, they added. Dr. Giovinazzo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna, in 2015. Surviving are his son, Frank Giovinazzo (wife, Melissa); daughter, Allison Hill (husband, Brad); mother, Isabelle Giovinazzo; sister, Lorraine Giovinazzo; and three (soon to be four) grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm at Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook. Guests are welcome to stay for as much or as little time as they feel comfortable. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10am in St. Patrick's Church, with entombment to follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. The family kindly requests that masks are worn inside the funeral home and in the Church. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.