PRINCETON — Gerald "Chips" Giovanine, of Princeton, died Saturday, Jan. 11.
He was born Aug. 31, 1936, in DePue, to Angelo Giovanine and Johanna (Leonard) Giovanine.
He was a lifelong educator and coach, having served 54 years in public education.
He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and mentor to generations of young people.
He worked at Bureau Township schools from 1958-61; Western community schools, 1961-77; La Salle-Peru, 1977-93; and Bureau/Stark/Henry County Regional Office of Education, 1993 to 2012.
He attended DePue schools, Western Illinois University, undergrad and graduate, M.S., Ed., C.A.S. in educational administration.
He married Mary Ellen (Tonkinson) on Jan. 13, 1956, in Carthage.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; brother, Norman; sister, Delores (Pat); children, Jill (Brian) and Grey (Kelly); grandchildren, Jason Cardosi (Molly), Jessica Turner (Kris), Grey, Reid and Luke Giovanine; and great-granddaughter, Norah Cardosi.
He was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, several coaching associations and various associations with an educational focus.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at St. Louis Church officiated by the Rev. Jeff Stirniman.
Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton and Western Illinois University, where funds will be established in his name.
Norberg Memorial Home,701 Thompson St., Princeton, IL 61356
815-875-2425
----------------------------------------------
An iconic figure in the area of Illinois along route 80 known affectionately to locals as “The Valley”, Gerald “Chips” Giovanine is the recipient of the 2014 Buzzy O’Connor Award from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. A man true to his roots, both geographically and philosophically, Giovanine carved an incredible coaching record at three high schools by stressing defense, rebounding and accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Giovanine. “The tangible measure for success in coaching is wins and losses. More importantly, however, were the hearts and minds of young men that I tried to develop to be better people, husbands and fathers after they graduated. You can instill a work ethic and attention to detail that prepares a young man for life.”
When he finally hung up his coaching whistle in 1994, he had compiled an overall record of 674-265 for a .718 winning percentage. His career spanned five decades and some of his records read like typographical errors. After graduating from Western Illinois University in 1958 he landed his first head coaching job at Bureau Township High School where there were only 35 students in the entire school (17 of them male). That didn’t stop Giovanine from compiling a glossy 75-10 record in three years, including a 28-1 mark in 1959-60 that was the best record in the state of Illinois that season.
He moved to Western High School in Buda, Illinois in 1961 and began a successful 16 season run that was highlighted by a three-year stretch from 1975 through 1977 where the Rams went 85-6. In 1974-75 and again in 1975-76 his teams were undefeated in the regular season, finishing each campaign 24-0. His 1974-75 team eventually reached 29-0 before losing in the semi-final of the Class A state tournament and his 1975-76 unit was 31-0 before losing in the state semi-finals. Both of those teams were inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame.
Giovanine left Western in 1977 but he didn’t go far, taking the job at LaSalle-Peru High School and he again worked his magic to the tune of a 304-126 record. His Cavaliers won nine Class AA regional titles and at one point they captured four straight North Central Illinois Conference titles. His 1993 team won the sectional and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Class AA state tournament.
An accomplished athlete himself, Giovanine played baseball and basketball at DePue High School. He was a four-year starter in baseball and captained the team his senior year. He earned three letters in basketball. From DePue he took his talents to Western Illinois where he was a four year starter in baseball for the Leathernecks. He served as team captain as a senior and was inducted into the WIU Hall of Fame in 1985.
The list of accolades for Giovanine is impressive. He was the Illinois Class A “Coach of the Year” in 1975 and won the Class AA “Coach of the Year” in 1990. In 1991 he was the national “Coach of the Year” in Region Four. He was an active member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors for basketball during both his stints at Western and LaSalle-Peru.
Giovanine also served on the IBCA Board of Directors and is now an honorary member. He was tabbed as district “Coach of the Year” 10 times by the IBCA. He was the head coach of the IBCA all-star game in 1984 after serving as an assistant in 1981. The IBCA inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 1998 he received a meritorious service award by the IBCA. In 1997 he was picked as honorary head coach of the North all-star team. He was the vice-president of the IBCA and served as a district delegate for the IBCA player-selection committee. Giovanine also was on the all-state advisory selection committee for both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Even though the accolades and honors are many, the man that everybody calls “Chips” counts as his greatest coaching experience as that time at Western High School when he was able to coach three undefeated team with his son Grey and daughter Jill as a cheerleader in the program. He and his wife Mary Ellen have been married 57 years and have enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
He was born Aug. 31, 1936, in DePue, to Angelo Giovanine and Johanna (Leonard) Giovanine.
He was a lifelong educator and coach, having served 54 years in public education.
He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and mentor to generations of young people.
He worked at Bureau Township schools from 1958-61; Western community schools, 1961-77; La Salle-Peru, 1977-93; and Bureau/Stark/Henry County Regional Office of Education, 1993 to 2012.
He attended DePue schools, Western Illinois University, undergrad and graduate, M.S., Ed., C.A.S. in educational administration.
He married Mary Ellen (Tonkinson) on Jan. 13, 1956, in Carthage.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; brother, Norman; sister, Delores (Pat); children, Jill (Brian) and Grey (Kelly); grandchildren, Jason Cardosi (Molly), Jessica Turner (Kris), Grey, Reid and Luke Giovanine; and great-granddaughter, Norah Cardosi.
He was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, several coaching associations and various associations with an educational focus.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at St. Louis Church officiated by the Rev. Jeff Stirniman.
Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton and Western Illinois University, where funds will be established in his name.
Norberg Memorial Home,701 Thompson St., Princeton, IL 61356
815-875-2425
----------------------------------------------
An iconic figure in the area of Illinois along route 80 known affectionately to locals as “The Valley”, Gerald “Chips” Giovanine is the recipient of the 2014 Buzzy O’Connor Award from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. A man true to his roots, both geographically and philosophically, Giovanine carved an incredible coaching record at three high schools by stressing defense, rebounding and accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Giovanine. “The tangible measure for success in coaching is wins and losses. More importantly, however, were the hearts and minds of young men that I tried to develop to be better people, husbands and fathers after they graduated. You can instill a work ethic and attention to detail that prepares a young man for life.”
When he finally hung up his coaching whistle in 1994, he had compiled an overall record of 674-265 for a .718 winning percentage. His career spanned five decades and some of his records read like typographical errors. After graduating from Western Illinois University in 1958 he landed his first head coaching job at Bureau Township High School where there were only 35 students in the entire school (17 of them male). That didn’t stop Giovanine from compiling a glossy 75-10 record in three years, including a 28-1 mark in 1959-60 that was the best record in the state of Illinois that season.
He moved to Western High School in Buda, Illinois in 1961 and began a successful 16 season run that was highlighted by a three-year stretch from 1975 through 1977 where the Rams went 85-6. In 1974-75 and again in 1975-76 his teams were undefeated in the regular season, finishing each campaign 24-0. His 1974-75 team eventually reached 29-0 before losing in the semi-final of the Class A state tournament and his 1975-76 unit was 31-0 before losing in the state semi-finals. Both of those teams were inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame.
Giovanine left Western in 1977 but he didn’t go far, taking the job at LaSalle-Peru High School and he again worked his magic to the tune of a 304-126 record. His Cavaliers won nine Class AA regional titles and at one point they captured four straight North Central Illinois Conference titles. His 1993 team won the sectional and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Class AA state tournament.
An accomplished athlete himself, Giovanine played baseball and basketball at DePue High School. He was a four-year starter in baseball and captained the team his senior year. He earned three letters in basketball. From DePue he took his talents to Western Illinois where he was a four year starter in baseball for the Leathernecks. He served as team captain as a senior and was inducted into the WIU Hall of Fame in 1985.
The list of accolades for Giovanine is impressive. He was the Illinois Class A “Coach of the Year” in 1975 and won the Class AA “Coach of the Year” in 1990. In 1991 he was the national “Coach of the Year” in Region Four. He was an active member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors for basketball during both his stints at Western and LaSalle-Peru.
Giovanine also served on the IBCA Board of Directors and is now an honorary member. He was tabbed as district “Coach of the Year” 10 times by the IBCA. He was the head coach of the IBCA all-star game in 1984 after serving as an assistant in 1981. The IBCA inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 1998 he received a meritorious service award by the IBCA. In 1997 he was picked as honorary head coach of the North all-star team. He was the vice-president of the IBCA and served as a district delegate for the IBCA player-selection committee. Giovanine also was on the all-state advisory selection committee for both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Even though the accolades and honors are many, the man that everybody calls “Chips” counts as his greatest coaching experience as that time at Western High School when he was able to coach three undefeated team with his son Grey and daughter Jill as a cheerleader in the program. He and his wife Mary Ellen have been married 57 years and have enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
PRINCETON — Gerald "Chips" Giovanine, of Princeton, died Saturday, Jan. 11.
He was born Aug. 31, 1936, in DePue, to Angelo Giovanine and Johanna (Leonard) Giovanine.
He was a lifelong educator and coach, having served 54 years in public education.
He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and mentor to generations of young people.
He worked at Bureau Township schools from 1958-61; Western community schools, 1961-77; La Salle-Peru, 1977-93; and Bureau/Stark/Henry County Regional Office of Education, 1993 to 2012.
He attended DePue schools, Western Illinois University, undergrad and graduate, M.S., Ed., C.A.S. in educational administration.
He married Mary Ellen (Tonkinson) on Jan. 13, 1956, in Carthage.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; brother, Norman; sister, Delores (Pat); children, Jill (Brian) and Grey (Kelly); grandchildren, Jason Cardosi (Molly), Jessica Turner (Kris), Grey, Reid and Luke Giovanine; and great-granddaughter, Norah Cardosi.
He was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, several coaching associations and various associations with an educational focus.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at St. Louis Church officiated by the Rev. Jeff Stirniman.
Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton and Western Illinois University, where funds will be established in his name.
Norberg Memorial Home,701 Thompson St., Princeton, IL 61356
815-875-2425
----------------------------------------------
An iconic figure in the area of Illinois along route 80 known affectionately to locals as “The Valley”, Gerald “Chips” Giovanine is the recipient of the 2014 Buzzy O’Connor Award from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. A man true to his roots, both geographically and philosophically, Giovanine carved an incredible coaching record at three high schools by stressing defense, rebounding and accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Giovanine. “The tangible measure for success in coaching is wins and losses. More importantly, however, were the hearts and minds of young men that I tried to develop to be better people, husbands and fathers after they graduated. You can instill a work ethic and attention to detail that prepares a young man for life.”
When he finally hung up his coaching whistle in 1994, he had compiled an overall record of 674-265 for a .718 winning percentage. His career spanned five decades and some of his records read like typographical errors. After graduating from Western Illinois University in 1958 he landed his first head coaching job at Bureau Township High School where there were only 35 students in the entire school (17 of them male). That didn’t stop Giovanine from compiling a glossy 75-10 record in three years, including a 28-1 mark in 1959-60 that was the best record in the state of Illinois that season.
He moved to Western High School in Buda, Illinois in 1961 and began a successful 16 season run that was highlighted by a three-year stretch from 1975 through 1977 where the Rams went 85-6. In 1974-75 and again in 1975-76 his teams were undefeated in the regular season, finishing each campaign 24-0. His 1974-75 team eventually reached 29-0 before losing in the semi-final of the Class A state tournament and his 1975-76 unit was 31-0 before losing in the state semi-finals. Both of those teams were inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame.
Giovanine left Western in 1977 but he didn’t go far, taking the job at LaSalle-Peru High School and he again worked his magic to the tune of a 304-126 record. His Cavaliers won nine Class AA regional titles and at one point they captured four straight North Central Illinois Conference titles. His 1993 team won the sectional and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Class AA state tournament.
An accomplished athlete himself, Giovanine played baseball and basketball at DePue High School. He was a four-year starter in baseball and captained the team his senior year. He earned three letters in basketball. From DePue he took his talents to Western Illinois where he was a four year starter in baseball for the Leathernecks. He served as team captain as a senior and was inducted into the WIU Hall of Fame in 1985.
The list of accolades for Giovanine is impressive. He was the Illinois Class A “Coach of the Year” in 1975 and won the Class AA “Coach of the Year” in 1990. In 1991 he was the national “Coach of the Year” in Region Four. He was an active member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors for basketball during both his stints at Western and LaSalle-Peru.
Giovanine also served on the IBCA Board of Directors and is now an honorary member. He was tabbed as district “Coach of the Year” 10 times by the IBCA. He was the head coach of the IBCA all-star game in 1984 after serving as an assistant in 1981. The IBCA inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 1998 he received a meritorious service award by the IBCA. In 1997 he was picked as honorary head coach of the North all-star team. He was the vice-president of the IBCA and served as a district delegate for the IBCA player-selection committee. Giovanine also was on the all-state advisory selection committee for both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Even though the accolades and honors are many, the man that everybody calls “Chips” counts as his greatest coaching experience as that time at Western High School when he was able to coach three undefeated team with his son Grey and daughter Jill as a cheerleader in the program. He and his wife Mary Ellen have been married 57 years and have enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
He was born Aug. 31, 1936, in DePue, to Angelo Giovanine and Johanna (Leonard) Giovanine.
He was a lifelong educator and coach, having served 54 years in public education.
He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and mentor to generations of young people.
He worked at Bureau Township schools from 1958-61; Western community schools, 1961-77; La Salle-Peru, 1977-93; and Bureau/Stark/Henry County Regional Office of Education, 1993 to 2012.
He attended DePue schools, Western Illinois University, undergrad and graduate, M.S., Ed., C.A.S. in educational administration.
He married Mary Ellen (Tonkinson) on Jan. 13, 1956, in Carthage.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; brother, Norman; sister, Delores (Pat); children, Jill (Brian) and Grey (Kelly); grandchildren, Jason Cardosi (Molly), Jessica Turner (Kris), Grey, Reid and Luke Giovanine; and great-granddaughter, Norah Cardosi.
He was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, several coaching associations and various associations with an educational focus.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at St. Louis Church officiated by the Rev. Jeff Stirniman.
Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton and Western Illinois University, where funds will be established in his name.
Norberg Memorial Home,701 Thompson St., Princeton, IL 61356
815-875-2425
----------------------------------------------
An iconic figure in the area of Illinois along route 80 known affectionately to locals as “The Valley”, Gerald “Chips” Giovanine is the recipient of the 2014 Buzzy O’Connor Award from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. A man true to his roots, both geographically and philosophically, Giovanine carved an incredible coaching record at three high schools by stressing defense, rebounding and accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Giovanine. “The tangible measure for success in coaching is wins and losses. More importantly, however, were the hearts and minds of young men that I tried to develop to be better people, husbands and fathers after they graduated. You can instill a work ethic and attention to detail that prepares a young man for life.”
When he finally hung up his coaching whistle in 1994, he had compiled an overall record of 674-265 for a .718 winning percentage. His career spanned five decades and some of his records read like typographical errors. After graduating from Western Illinois University in 1958 he landed his first head coaching job at Bureau Township High School where there were only 35 students in the entire school (17 of them male). That didn’t stop Giovanine from compiling a glossy 75-10 record in three years, including a 28-1 mark in 1959-60 that was the best record in the state of Illinois that season.
He moved to Western High School in Buda, Illinois in 1961 and began a successful 16 season run that was highlighted by a three-year stretch from 1975 through 1977 where the Rams went 85-6. In 1974-75 and again in 1975-76 his teams were undefeated in the regular season, finishing each campaign 24-0. His 1974-75 team eventually reached 29-0 before losing in the semi-final of the Class A state tournament and his 1975-76 unit was 31-0 before losing in the state semi-finals. Both of those teams were inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame.
Giovanine left Western in 1977 but he didn’t go far, taking the job at LaSalle-Peru High School and he again worked his magic to the tune of a 304-126 record. His Cavaliers won nine Class AA regional titles and at one point they captured four straight North Central Illinois Conference titles. His 1993 team won the sectional and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Class AA state tournament.
An accomplished athlete himself, Giovanine played baseball and basketball at DePue High School. He was a four-year starter in baseball and captained the team his senior year. He earned three letters in basketball. From DePue he took his talents to Western Illinois where he was a four year starter in baseball for the Leathernecks. He served as team captain as a senior and was inducted into the WIU Hall of Fame in 1985.
The list of accolades for Giovanine is impressive. He was the Illinois Class A “Coach of the Year” in 1975 and won the Class AA “Coach of the Year” in 1990. In 1991 he was the national “Coach of the Year” in Region Four. He was an active member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors for basketball during both his stints at Western and LaSalle-Peru.
Giovanine also served on the IBCA Board of Directors and is now an honorary member. He was tabbed as district “Coach of the Year” 10 times by the IBCA. He was the head coach of the IBCA all-star game in 1984 after serving as an assistant in 1981. The IBCA inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 1998 he received a meritorious service award by the IBCA. In 1997 he was picked as honorary head coach of the North all-star team. He was the vice-president of the IBCA and served as a district delegate for the IBCA player-selection committee. Giovanine also was on the all-state advisory selection committee for both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Even though the accolades and honors are many, the man that everybody calls “Chips” counts as his greatest coaching experience as that time at Western High School when he was able to coach three undefeated team with his son Grey and daughter Jill as a cheerleader in the program. He and his wife Mary Ellen have been married 57 years and have enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
