Carolyn M. Giannini 1939-2022

Carolyn was born Aug. 27, 1939, in Youngstown, a daughter of Anthony J. and Mary Olenick Swierz, and was a lifelong area resident. She attended Sacred Heart School and was a 1957 graduate of South High School. She was an actively involved member of the Reunion Planning Committee for her Warriors’ class reunions, which she faithfully attended.

She was a member of St. Anthony’s Altar and Rosary Society, the VFW Post 3538 Struthers Ladies Auxiliary and a Blue Bird leader. She devoted many years as a Democratic presiding judge and poll worker for Trumbull County. Carolyn also worked as an accountant at the Liberty Jewel Mart store. She loved cooking, wineries, winning at the casino, relaxing on the beach, cruising the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, and had traveled as far as Hong Kong and Australia. Most importantly, she cherished making a lifetime of memories with her family and friends. There was always a place at her table, no matter how many there were. She truly was the life of the party.

In a pursuit for fun and adventure, Carolyn — accompanied by her friend Martha “Toni” Riccardo — crashed a wedding in 1957. Uninvited and unknown to her, that’s where she met her loving husband, John J. Giannini Jr. of Brier Hill. They were married Feb. 13, 1960, and would have celebrated 62 years. She was the original wedding crasher.

Carolyn leaves five children to love and remember her, Janine (Marc) Silverman, Kathleen Giannini, John (Barbara) Giannini, Carlene (Thomas Sr.) Linton and Mary Joyce Giannini; seven grandchildren, including Shawn (Courtney) Silverman, Jaclyn Silverman, Samuel (Samantha) Silverman, Jacob Silverman; great-grandson, Charlie Robin Silverman; brother, Lawrence J. (Shelly Douds) Swierz; and sisters-in-law, JoAnn Vrabel Swierz and Gigi Lapresta Giannini. She was also an aunt, great-aunt and great-great-aunt to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Carl M. Swierz and Anthony J. Swierz Jr.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Carolyn’s godson, the Rev. Michael Swierz, at noon Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Youngstown. Calling hours at the church will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The family encourages wearing red or leopard print, in honor of Carolyn’s favorite color and print.

The family wishes memorial tributes in honor of Carolyn be made toward St. Joseph the Provider School, the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart and the American Cancer Society.

A special thank you to mvi HospiceCare, Dr. Antoine Chahine and the Blood & Cancer Center staff, for their ongoing dedicated care and support.

Friends and family may view this obituary and share their condolences online at www.schiavonefh.com.

(special notice)