Louis Dean Giacometti

L. Dean Giacometti, 102, passed peacefully April 30, 2022, 11 weeks after the death of his wife, Pat. He is survived by his daughter Valerie (Phil) Walton, granddaughters Molly (Blaise) Licari and Kate Walton, and great grandchildren Mia and Andrew.  He is also predeceased by an infant daughter.

Besides his loving family, Dean leaves behind countless friends for whom he always had a ready smile, sincere interest, sage advice and, likely, a story or two. After a childhood in his beloved Bellaire, OH, he attended and played football at the University of Cincinnati before serving in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He met and married Pat (Belko) in 1945, then returned to UC to complete his college studies which the war had interrupted.

Dean found his true calling as a teacher, coach, and mentor at Walnut Hills High School, where he formed lifelong relationships with students and athletes, maintaining contact with hundreds through college, the professional world, and beyond. Even today his students are proud to call him “Coach” and still met with him regularly, frequently hosting his birthday parties. His legacy of excellence at Walnut Hills is reflected in the Honors Classroom which bears his name, a pair of Dean Giacometti Scholarships, induction into the WHHS Hall of Fame, and the Dean Giacometti Flag Plaza dedicated to his WWII service and continued devotion to WHHS.

Dean dedicated much of his time to organizations that held a special place in his heart. As a proud veteran he took an active role, often in leadership positions, in Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; the University of Cincinnati Lettermen’s Club; as well as the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge # 1191 and the United Italian Society. For decades you could find him working at the Sacred Heart ravioli dinners and ushering at Nativity Catholic Church. He was the oldest living former Cincinnati Bearcats football player, lettering in 1940 and 1941, and served as an honorary captain for a game at Nippert Stadium in 2018.

Thank you to the Seasons staff and a special thanks to Ed, Dianne, Bruce, Wayne, and Beverly, his caring angels.

Visitation will be held at Gilligan Funeral Home (Kenwood) Monday, May 9, 2022, from 4 PM until the Rite of Christian Burial at 7 PM.  Interment will be in Wilmington, DE. The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Dean Giacometti Scholarships at The WHHS Alumni Foundation, 3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207.

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