Jack Giamportone, of Raleigh, NC, died on July 15th at the age of 94. He passed away peacefully at Transitions Hospice Care in Raleigh, NC after being hospitalized for 12 days.

Jack was born in Irvington, NJ to Leo and Antonina Giamportone. He grew up in Newark, NJ and at the age of 13 his family moved to Highland, NY. Jack graduated Highland High School and then enrolled in the Army. He served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He then went to SUNY New Paltz where he got a degree in Education. Jack taught in the Poughkeepsie School District for 29 years before retiring in 1987.

He married Catherine Chille of Brooklyn, NY in 1962. They had two children, Jack and Carol. He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine who died in a car accident in 2005 and his brother Fred who passed away in 2019.

Jack is survived by his two children, Jack G. Giamportone of Raleigh and Carol A. Giamportone, who lives in Staatsburg, NY. He is also survived by his two Grandchildren (Jack’s children), Marissa who lives in Cary and Joseph who lives in Raleigh, as well as his daughter in law, Carey. He is also survived by his sister Josephine who lives in Raleigh and Paula who lives in Highland and number of nieces, nephews, and friends who all love him very much.

When Jack was younger he enjoyed playing poker, pinochle, going to the horse track, hanging out with his friends, and spending time with his family. He was partners with some friends in owning harness horses. Every time one of his horses won, we would get a present. Young Jack built a great classic rock album collection from the winning horses. He enjoyed cards so much there was a story where he left his brother Fred, who was injured and bleeding, waiting in the car while he stopped at a card game. As he got older, he played horseshoes and pinochle. He had a lot of friends who loved him. Jack had a quick wit and a great sense of humor until the very end. Most important of all he was a great father and husband. He was always there for his family. He will be missed.

There will not be any formal service per Jack’s request. We will be doing a small private family gathering to celebrate his life.