Joe Giannovario

Sad news in O scale today. Joe was the main reason I took the challenge to build my own 3 bay firehouse from scratch. I feel lost right now, his last observations column the last paragraph: "And that's an area where the magazine can help. We're here to encourage people to build from scrtach and to kit bash". Joe gave me the basic's of what I needed to build this firehouse, he was going to "keep in touch" by email to see my progress no matter how much or how little was done. Joe told me even if you only cut a wall, a hole for 1 window, or go to town and complete a entire section. Joe told me to keep track of everything I did by pictures and a notepad, and submit it to OST when the firehouse was finished and I would be able to see my work in the magazine and for other first timer's to prove you can build anything.

I send my condolence's to Jaini and the rest of the OST staff.

Rest  in peace Joe. My sympathy goes out to Joe's family and freinds.  Joe will be sorely missed  by all. He will long be remembered.

Nate, New York City Model Transit Association

Condolences to Joe's family.  Rest in Peace.

Renee and I are very sad to hear this news--we have had a wonderful relationship with Joe and he published a number of our articles in O Scale Trains.

Rest in Peace old friend.  Dear Joe I am sure that you are now in a better place and free of pain. You will be missed and will not be forgotten.

Bill

So much has been said. There is a hole in our O scale universe today that didn't exist a week ago. I never met Joe, but his passion for O scale/gauge was an inspiration to me and I'm sure to most of us. He fiercely promoted the hobby more than anyone I've ever know and in the process created one of the finest O magazines. My condolences to his family and I hope they are able to keep the magazine alive in his absence as a tribute to a man who loved O scale.

Butch

My condolences to Joe's Family...

he will be missed

I just spoke to him not long ago and he seemed in good spirits, quite a shock to see this post this morning

Our sincerest condolences to the Giannovario family. His contribution to the 2 rail O scale community will certainly be remembered. He will be missed.  It is nice to see good thoughts posted here about Joe. May he rest in peace.

I had the distinct good fortune at the 2012 O Scale National Convention to share a table at the banquet with Joe and Jeannie and other friends of theirs whose names would be recognized by OST readers.  No inside track here on my part.  Just a guy who got lucky and found a seat at their table.  But, they drew me right in and it was a warm, positive, full of fun, laid back experience that I will never forget.  That's the "Right Stuff."

The world has lost a funny and kind human being.  I knew of his battle but this was sudden and unexpected.  May you rest in peace Master Cheif!

This is really terrible. I am sorry to hear this. Been a little busy and missed the news. 

God rest your soul Joe and all of his blessings to those you leave behind. 

It is through the efforts of people like Joe who help make this hobby what it is for all of us.

Thank You Joe.

Mario E.

Joe, you will be missed. He challenged me once to an article which I never wrote and now I wish I had. In a recent email I told him I had prostate cancer. That pales in comparison to his but he still wished me the best. What a fine man. Godspeed, Joe.

Dick Donaway

As Erik rightly said "this is really terrible".

I don't know what more to say except God's speed Joe.

Dick, from all indications I believe the challange still stands. 

According to what I heard, OST will continue with the collective dedication of a staff committed to the creative ideals which Joe has left behind.  

IMO, OGR & OST are essential to the well rounded growth of 0 gauge/scale.

Joe's wife Jaini posted on the OST forum that the magazine will be a bit behind schedule.  I urged all OST members to let her know she has more to do than just get the magazine out and to take her time getting things straightened out.

WOW this is the first I've heard of this. This really sucks. Joe and his O Scale Trains mag was what help me make the final deciding factor in my switch from 3r to 2r. God Bless his family both blood and the magazine. You will be missed.

CofG

"The Right Way"

I had some dealings with Joe a few years back when I wrote an article for OST. Joe was very supportive of my writing/photography attempts. He seemed to be a very straightforward guy with a real love of model trains, regardless of scale or gauge and it's no wonder he had so many friends on this forum and in the industry. My sincere condolences to his family. 

Jerrman