Domenico Antonio Gigante passed away on November 9, 2023. Born in Bari, Italy to Domenico and Maria (née Romagno) Gigante, he grew up in Rutigliano and immigrated to Syracuse, New York with his family in 1970. He graduated from Henninger High School, where he would later teach French and Italian for 30 years. A lifelong learner, Domenico earned a Bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College and a Master’s degree in French Language and Literature from Syracuse University.

While teaching, he earned grants to study in France, and he developed and delivered presentations on the Euro after it was created in 1999. In addition to his love of language, Domenico was a gifted painter, and he explored various styles and techniques. Traveling and sightseeing were among his favorite pastimes, and he was fortunate to be able to travel nationally and internationally with his family nearly every year. In his retirement, he visited several countries, both new and familiar, with his wife, Denise. He took beautiful pictures of their adventures, as he had an eye for visual composition and aesthetics. Domenico was a kind-hearted and generous person who was always there for his family. He will be missed dearly.

Domenico is survived by: his wife of 44 years, Denise (née Palomeque) Gigante; his three children, Maria Elena Gigante and her spouse Casey Slager, Eduardo Domenicantonio Gigante and his spouse Crystal Gigante, and Elsa Caterina Gigante and her spouse Zachary Gibbons; his mother, Maria Cassano; his four siblings, Nicoletta (Nico) Merola, Nicola (Eileen) Gigante, Serafina (Antonio, predeceased) Pascarella, and Graziella (David Baggett) Gigante-Baggett; three grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers and Alzheimer’s Association, two organizations that he supported.