Godspeed John Gioia (Nov. 11, 1932-Dec. 26, 2008)

Sad news that John Gioia passed away on Dec. 26 after a battle with cancer. He was 76.

Gioia is probably best known for creating the firm that bears his name, Robbins Gioia, which focuses on helping agencies with program management issues — something that was really unheard of at the time.

A good friend of mine simply said, “Very sad. He was a true gentleman who built an incredibly successful company after a distinguished government career. He will be missed.”

I have posted the notice below… but after the break, I have the very classy note that Robbins Gioia posted… and the note the family sent around that has information on arrangements…

The Gioia family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to USO-Metro. You can donate online at www.usometrodc.org by selecting Donate from the menu. You will be able to specify that your donation is in memory of John Gioia.

Here is the death notice as posted in the Washington Post:

John Gioia

GIOIA JOHN GIOIA Colonel Air Force, retired of Alexandria, VA and North Palm Beach Florida died on Friday December 26, 2008. Husband of Patty Gioia. Father of Eric Gioia and his wife Piper. Grandfather of Parker, Luke and John-Austin Gioia; son of Mary Gioia and brother of Sal and Jerry Gioia. Friends may call at the Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 where the family will be present on Friday January 2, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday January 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. where funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. Graveside services with Full Military Honors will be held on Monday January 26, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to USO Metro, PO Box 1710, Fort Myer, VA 22211.

Much more after the break…
This very sweet and very classy item from Robbins Gioia’s Web site:

It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of our firm’s co-founder, John Gioia. John died in New York on December 26 after battling cancer. He was 76. John leaves his wife, Patty; son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Piper; and three grandchildren, as well as other family members and many friends.

When John and Jack Robbins founded R-G in 1980, a firm devoted entirely to outsourcing program management was unheard of. However, the two retired Air Force officers saw a need to bring increased efficiencies to government projects by pioneering a new concept today known as project and program management consulting. From humble beginnings with just 8 associates working out of John’s house, Robbins-Gioia grew to a peak of more than 700 associates supporting clients across North America and around the globe spanning the government and manufacturing, financial services, and telecommunications, as well as other industries.

John retired as R-G’s CEO in December 2002. His vision, which guides our company still, was to do everything possible to “Make Our Customers Successful.” He made this vision a reality by pioneering the development of program management structures, processes, tools, and training—and transferring this knowledge in the form of solid, repeatable processes that our clients could build on. During John’s tenure, R-G’s revenue grew to $100 million solely through internal growth. Under John’s leadership, the firm implemented major complex systems for customers on time, on budget, and on target. After his retirement, John served as chairman of Robbins-Gioia’s board of directors.

Before founding Robbins-Gioia, John served as deputy director of the Automated Data Processing Policy and Acquisition for Headquarters, U.S. Air Force. Prior to that position, he was program manager for the Air Force’s Phase IV program, the first U.S. government billion-dollar information technology program. In that capacity, he introduced and established innovative and effective management processes in the development of systems for the federal government. John devised the organizational structure, acquisition strategy, control processes, and test scenarios for the program. In previous assignments, John optimized a range of IT applications to build many successful process improvement systems. Before that, he was a command and instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force, with more than 6,000 flying hours.

John held a graduate degree in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Defense Systems Management College. He retired as a colonel from the Air Force after 25 years of service. He received numerous awards from industry and government. In 1997, he had the singular honor of receiving the Eagle Award in industry for the Federal 100 Awards.

John was a trustee of Marymount University and chaired the university’s School Of Business advisory board. He was a member of the executive committee of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, formerly serving as president of its Washington chapter. John was vice chairman of the board of directors, USO of Metropolitan Washington, and chaired its dinner committee. He previously served as chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee for ADP; Chairman of the Joint Policy Committee for the Federal Computer Performance Evaluation/Simulation Center; associate member of the Science Board of Telecommunications and ADP, National Academy of Sciences; and member of the Governor’s Commission on Information Technology.

John Gioia’s legacy is part of the fabric of this company. He was a spirited industry pioneer and a resolute business leader who built a firm of enduring value for this country. Hence, it’s fitting that as we look back at John’s significant life, we consider the many virtues that he imbued in the firm—the power of ideas and initiative, integrity and honor, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Each of us honors John every day by continuing to deliver the exceptional service Robbins-Gioia is known for.

John Gioia’s larger-than-life personality was topped only by his big heart. His remarkable deeds and accomplishments have touched all of our lives. We are truly saddened by his loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to Patty Gioia and all the Gioia family.

Viewing and service dates, times, and locations
The viewing and chapel service for John Gioia will be held at the Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, Va., 703-549-0074.

Dates and times are:
Friday, January 2, 2009: Viewing, 6–8 pm
Saturday, January 3, 2009: Viewing, 10 am–noon.

A chapel service follows at noon at the same location. Burial services and interment will be performed at the Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, January 26, at 11 am.

Donations
The Gioia family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to USO-Metro. You can donate online at www.usometrodc.org by selecting Donate from the menu. You will be able to specify that your donation is in memory of John Gioia.

You can also mail your donation to:
USO-Metro P.O. Box 1710 Fort Myer, VA 22211

And the note sent around by Gioia’s daughter-in-law, Piper Gioia:

As many of you already know my father-in-law John Gioia passed away December 26th 2008 after a strong battle with cancer. Many of you have asked for details on the arrangements.

The viewing will be held Friday January 2nd in Old Town Alexandria from 6-8PM with a reception to follow from 8-10pm.

The viewing will be at Demaine Funeral Home 6-8 PM

520 South Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703)-549-0074.

The reception will be held at Landini Brothers Restaurant 8-10pm

115 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

There will also be an additional viewing at Demaine Funeral Home.

Saturday January 3rd from 10AM-12noon. With a chapel service held at the same location at noon.

The burial is scheduled several weeks later at Arlington National Cemetery January 26th at 11am. There will be brunch to follow at the Gioia residence in Mount Vernon.

9524 Mount Vernon Landing, Alexandria, VA 22309. 703-780-5369.

Eric and I will be at our home in Florida for the week and appreciate all the kind calls and emails supporting us. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the USO Metropolitan – Demaine has all the details.