GIAMPOLO CARL "GIMP" Passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 30, 2015. He was welcomed into the world on December 25, 1915, by the late Gaetano and Concetta Giampaolo. Carl was a lifelong resident of Oakland, spending 95 of his years in the Panther Hollow neighborhood. Devoted husband of the late Irma (Scenna) for 71 years; he is survived by his children, Carlino, Carol (Regis Speck), and Gary; two grandchildren, Gary and Lorraine; and two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Dante. Carl was a Sergeant in World War II for the 3606 Quartermaster Truck Company in General Mark Clark's Fifth Army, and served in the campaigns of Africa and the liberation of Rome in June 1944. He also served as an interpreter throughout Italy and was a proud member of the American Legion for 61 years. He worked for Dan DiNardo Construction Company, the city of Pittsburgh Public Works Department, and for 55 years as an usher at Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium. Everyone who knew Carl marveled at the brilliance and sharpness of his mind and his incredible ability to recall people and places from as far back as his childhood. He once gave an oral history interview for the Italian American Program at the Heinz History Center, and was interviewed for the PBS special hosted by Tonia Caruso about Panther Hollow and for the recent Bruno Sammartino documentary La Mia Mamma. Part of his longevity was due to the power of his will and his inner strength. Carl also loved to walk, and walked several miles every day from his retirement at age 65 until this past year. He was self-sufficient until the end. One of Carl's favorite singers was Frank Sinatra, and like the sentiments in one of his popular songs, Gimp did things his way. Carl will be entombed in the mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery, which he fondly referred to as the Marble Orchard. America's greatest generation has lost another great man. Friends will be received on Wednesday, 1-7 p.m., at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) in Oakland. Funeral Thursday, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Paul Cathedral at 10 a.m. Private entombment in Calvary Cemetery. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
