Dennis John Giannini

Dennis John Giannini, 81, died on June 12, 2024. He was surrounded by his children and loved ones in the days preceding his death and passed away peacefully with his daughter Marci by his side.

Dennis was born in Bakersfield on January 14, 1943 to Dante and Isabel Giannini. Raised in Buttonwillow, Dennis attended Buttonwillow School and graduated from Shafter High School in 1961. He attended Bakersfield College and excelled at basketball and baseball. His lifelong love of sports included golfing, bowling, hunting and fishing. In his later years, he was an avid crocheter, making countless blankets and bags for those he loved.

Just like his father, Dennis proudly became the Mayor of Buttonwillow. He farmed with his father Dante and son Michael for many years and in 2001, he landed his dream job as a card dealer for Golden West Casino, retiring in 2011. Dennis loved gambling and took his final gambling trip in April of this year.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dante and Isabel Giannini, sister Diane Antongiovanni Gregory and nephew Roger Antongiovanni.

Dennis is survived by his wife Rhonda; Children: Denise (Brian) Callahan, Michael (Jennifer) Giannini, Nicole Giannini, Marci (Mark) Shockley, and stepson Corey Portlock; Grandchildren: Antonia, Aubree and Lexie Giannini, Clare, Drury and Carter Callahan and Harrison Shockley; Great grandchildren: Brayden and Addalyn Giannini; and niece Sherri Antongiovanni Moskovitz.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 10:00 am, with viewing from 9:00 - 9:30 am, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery.