TOPSFIELD- Mr. Ronald Henry Giovannacci 82 of Topsfield, Retired Chief of the Town of Topsfield Fire Department, beloved husband of the late Shirley Ann (Burkinshaw) Giovannacci, died Friday, September 25th, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Beverly, he was the son of the late Henry and Blanche Marie (Coullard) Giovannacci. He was raised and educated in the Town of Topsfield and was a graduate of Topsfield High School, class of 1950. He continued his education attending North Shore Community College studying Fire Science.
Chief Giovannacci began his professional career with Wood Engineering of Topsfield. He constructed and built fire apparatuses for many years in the Town of Topsfield. He then became the Superintendent of the Topsfield Fair Grounds, a position he held for several years.
Throughout his adult life, Chief Giovannacci was involved in Fire Safety for the Town of Topsfield. He held every position in the Department over the course of his career. He began as a call fire fighter in 1955 and was promoted to Call Chief in 1982. He was appointed the Town of Topsfield's first full time Fire Chief in 1985 holding that position until the time of his retirement in 1997. He dedicated his life to protecting and aiding the residents of his beloved Topsfield. Throughout his years of service Chief Giovannacci always placed the lives of the residents of Topsfield and his brother fire fighters above all else.
Chief was a Past President and member of the Essex County Fire Chiefs Association, the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association and the International Fire Chiefs Association.
A lifelong, 3rd generation resident of the Town of Topsfield, Ron was a well-known and acclaimed athlete in his younger years. He was a Hall of Fame and All Star baseball player in the Inter Town Twilight League for many years. He even garnered interest from several major league ball clubs.
He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Topsfield and truly loved his community. He had a passion for animals especially his beloved dogs and horses. Yet above all else family was paramount. He truly enjoyed spending his time with his son and daughter and was very proud of their accomplishments.
Ronald is survived by his son, Topsfield Fire Chief Ronald P. Giovannacci and his wife Susan of Topsfield, his daughter, Linda M. Statkus and her husband Michael of Hollis, N.H., his five grandchildren, Ashley, Kelsey, David, Jessica and Kristen, his sisters, Rita Englert of Florida and Lauris "Lolly" Giovannacci of Maryland and several nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Kaitlyn Giovannacci and brother of the late David P. Giovannacci.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) Danvers, Monday, Sept 28th at 9:30 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass in St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield, at 10:30 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Visiting hours Sunday, Sept 27th from 4 to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Chief Giovannacci's memory to the Topsfield Firefighters Relief Association, 27 High St., Topsfield, MA 01983. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
Born in Beverly, he was the son of the late Henry and Blanche Marie (Coullard) Giovannacci. He was raised and educated in the Town of Topsfield and was a graduate of Topsfield High School, class of 1950. He continued his education attending North Shore Community College studying Fire Science.
Chief Giovannacci began his professional career with Wood Engineering of Topsfield. He constructed and built fire apparatuses for many years in the Town of Topsfield. He then became the Superintendent of the Topsfield Fair Grounds, a position he held for several years.
Throughout his adult life, Chief Giovannacci was involved in Fire Safety for the Town of Topsfield. He held every position in the Department over the course of his career. He began as a call fire fighter in 1955 and was promoted to Call Chief in 1982. He was appointed the Town of Topsfield's first full time Fire Chief in 1985 holding that position until the time of his retirement in 1997. He dedicated his life to protecting and aiding the residents of his beloved Topsfield. Throughout his years of service Chief Giovannacci always placed the lives of the residents of Topsfield and his brother fire fighters above all else.
Chief was a Past President and member of the Essex County Fire Chiefs Association, the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association and the International Fire Chiefs Association.
A lifelong, 3rd generation resident of the Town of Topsfield, Ron was a well-known and acclaimed athlete in his younger years. He was a Hall of Fame and All Star baseball player in the Inter Town Twilight League for many years. He even garnered interest from several major league ball clubs.
He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Topsfield and truly loved his community. He had a passion for animals especially his beloved dogs and horses. Yet above all else family was paramount. He truly enjoyed spending his time with his son and daughter and was very proud of their accomplishments.
Ronald is survived by his son, Topsfield Fire Chief Ronald P. Giovannacci and his wife Susan of Topsfield, his daughter, Linda M. Statkus and her husband Michael of Hollis, N.H., his five grandchildren, Ashley, Kelsey, David, Jessica and Kristen, his sisters, Rita Englert of Florida and Lauris "Lolly" Giovannacci of Maryland and several nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Kaitlyn Giovannacci and brother of the late David P. Giovannacci.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) Danvers, Monday, Sept 28th at 9:30 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass in St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield, at 10:30 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Visiting hours Sunday, Sept 27th from 4 to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Chief Giovannacci's memory to the Topsfield Firefighters Relief Association, 27 High St., Topsfield, MA 01983. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
