John Adrian ‘Jack’ Giovanelli, 74

Born Nov. 10, 1942, in Plains, Pa., to Cesare Giovanelli and Adrienne Adele Sabatini, John Adrian Giovanelli died Sept. 27, 2017, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was the eldest of 11 children and moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1948.

Jack was a graduate (1960) of the IHM Academy and played for the Panthers football and basketball teams. In 1960, he joined the U.S. Navy for a 20-year career that saw him stationed in San Diego, Calif., Jim Creek, Wash., Stockton, Calif., Wahiawa, Hawaii, and one year in Saigon, South Vietnam at COMUSMACV. He served aboard the ships — USS Canberra (CAG 2), USS Kawishiwi (AO 146), USS Davidson (DE 1045) and the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) where he retired in 1980 as CWO2 Communications officer.

After graduating with an associate’s degree from North Idaho College, Jack began a second career with the Idaho State Police where he was dispatcher of the year in 1989. He retired after 20 years in 2007.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Karla; children Thomas Giovanelli and Teresa Giovanelli; grandchildren Gina and (Kyle) McManus and Andrew Bushfield; and siblings Paulette and (KO) Bezona, Cindi and (Bill) Carlson, Mark and (Robin) Giovanelli, Jill and (Don) Irons, Rick Giovanelli, Fran Giovanelli, David and (Carol) Giovanelli, Doug and (Tina) Giovanelli, Mike Giovanelli, and Kristi and (Jason) Rick. He was preceded in death by son Jack Russell Giovanelli; and parents Cesare and Adrienne Giovanelli.

Jack enjoyed participating in bowling and golf, and was an avid fan of the Mariners, Seahawks and Gonzaga Bulldogs. He was a member of St. Pius X Church and the VFW.

At Jack’s insistence, there will be no funeral. However, you can leave reminiscences and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.