He joined the Air Force in July 1958 and served 22 1/2 years as the medical administrator of many hospitals where he was stationed. He retired in February 1980 from Italy AFB.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Loretta (Lorie) Gioia, of Austin; sons, Phillip Gioia and Jeffery Gioia from Georgia; daughter, Theresa Buelman, and her husband from South Carolina. He had many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the numerous friends that have supported Lorie through her grief.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home from 5 pm to 8 pm on Monday, December 30, 2019, with a Rosary at 7 pm. The funeral home is located at 6300 W. William Cannon Drive in Austin.
On Tuesday, December 31, 2019, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf Street in Austin. A 2:30 pm interment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road in San Antonio.