Mr. Luigi "Gigi" Jellencich

UTICA - Mr. Luigi “Gigi” Jellencich, age 82, passed over to the great soccer field in the sky where God is the referee. His passing occurred on Saturday, April 29, 2017 with his dedicated family by his side. Born in Fiume, Italy on June 21, 1934, Luigi was the son of the late Mariano and Aurora (Podnar) Jellencich. He was educated in Italy and served in the Italian Army and also with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Egypt. Gigi loved sports and played “futbol” (soccer) and basketball in Italy, and he brought his love of soccer to his new country, when he was reunited with his family here. He was a player and a coach in several leagues. He was employed as a tile setter and later established, owned, and operated a creative landscaping business. Along with loving soccer, Luigi loved America, and his achievement in becoming a citizen of this country was one of the greatest goals of his life, on or off the soccer field. Luigi is survived by his wife of 33 years, Betty Abel-Jellencich; his daughters and their loves, Liza Jellencich and Dan DeLoach, and Lori Green and her fiance, Michael Witte; his grandchildren, Anthony Carretero of Los Angeles, CA, Stephanie Carretero of Utica, Johnna Giehl of Tampa, FL, Adreana Giehl of Utica; Andrew and Chelsea Sinchak, Jessica Green, Michelle Green, John Green, and their father, John Green, all of Colorado Springs, CO.; and his great-grandchildren, Nathan Sinchak (born on Gigi’s 80th birthday!), and the newest born, Nolan Sinchak. He also leaves his brother-in-law and caregiver, George F. Abel; sister-in-law, Judy Jellencich; nieces, Francesca and Papieto Gomez, and Rosemary and David Beratta; and nephew Mario, with whom he had a special relationship and who he loved like a son, and his wife Katrina Jellencich and their boys, Mariano and Donato. He shared much love and affection with his best bud “Chase”, his rat terrier, who was always by his side. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph Jellencich; his brother and best friend, Mario Jellencich, Sr.; his grandson, Adam in 1985; and his brother-in-law, William C. Abel. The family is grateful to the wonderful caring staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Hospitalists, Dr. Brian Chase, and Dr. John Pylman, 3rd Floor RN, Jamie who showed such compassion and love; Dr. William Ryan, and Dr. Lwin Win of Adirondack Community Physicians for their medical expertise; and those who cared for Luigi in his home, Starr, Mookie and Renee. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial gathering which will be held on Saturday, May 6th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1605 Genesee Street, Utica (please use rear entrance). Please omit floral offerings. Luigi’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 a.m. immediately upon conclusion of the gathering, officiated by Pastor Jeanne Kumbalek. All are welcome to join the family for a gathering after the service.

Mr. Luigi "Gigi" Jellencich

June 21, 1934 - April 29, 2017