Gian P. Stagnaro

Pine Plains, NY - Gian P. Stagnaro, 17, passed away due to an automobile accident on Thursday, August 29, 2013.

He was born in New York, NY on May 23, 1996 the son of Valerie Hammarth and stepfather Peter Lewin of Salisbury, CT and Gian B. Stagnaro and stepmother Christine Mac Neil of Pine Plains, NY.

A Life Too Short

My son, Gian Paolo, lived a very short life, but he was an amazing young man. He had such a way with little kids, whether it was entertaining them with his funny voices, or teaching them how to show cows for FFA, or consoling them when they were hurt or scared. Maybe it wasn't always apparent with his little sisters, but he was a devoted brother, always protecting them behind the scenes. He loved to act, having appeared in several school plays, and doing an admirable job of pulling off a Scottish accent in Brigadoon. He was a great goalie when he played soccer. He always had a very keen sense of fair play and what it meant to be a team. All of this led to his latest passion of Civil War re-enactment. He loved to learn about history and he was an avid reader. He will be greatly missed.

Our beautiful son Gian has gone on to the next place. We were blessed to have him in our lives for 17 years. Our hearts are breaking today as we realize the depth of our loss.

Our Gianni was bigger than life. Smart, bold, opinionated, controversial and with a wicked sense of humor and a huge appetite for life. The entire world was Gianni's stage. Class clown, gifted musician and actor. We will miss him for his irreverence, his biting humor, love of satire and all of his many vocal impersonations that kept us in stitches.

Gian had a special love for all of us-family, friends, teachers and mentors. He had a special love for his pets and was a kind and gentle young man.

Our lives have a huge, empty spot now, that no one and nothing can fill. We know our boy is in a better place now. He is safe in the loving arms of his family members who have gone before him.

Gian was entering his senior year of high school this fall at Stissing Mountain High School in Pine Plains.

In addition to his loving parents and stepparents, survivors include his paternal grandmother Josephine Caruana of Peekskill, NY; two sisters, Olivia Stagnaro of Salisbury, CT; Frances Snyder of Pine Plains, NY; two brothers, Allan Snyder Jr. of Pennsylvania and Anthony Snyder of Pine Plains, NY.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Gloria and George Hammarth and paternal grandfather Domenic Caruana.

Calling hours are 2 to 7 PM on Sunday, September 1, at Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main St. Pine Plains, NY 12567.

Funeral services are 11 AM on Monday, September 2, 2013, from the funeral home with Dr. Rev. Eric Titus officiating.

Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to the Gian Stagnaro FFA Scholarship fund c/o District Treasurer, Pine Plains Central School, 2829 Church Street, Pine Plains, NY 12567

A reception will follow the service on Monday at the Pine Plains Lion's Club.

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