Obituary of David G. Giancristoforo

David Giulio Giancristoforo passed away on December 29, 2024, at his home in Edina, Minnesota, after a valliant battle with bone marrow cancer. He was 75 years old. 
 
Dave is preceded in death by, Phillip Giancristoforo (aka Crist), Vera Giancristoforo (nee Quattrini) Julia Giancristoforo, (Richard Smith). He is survived by David A. Giancristoforo ( Davey Nyssen), Emma Giancristoforo, August Smith, his Aunt Mary Crist, as well as by his caregiver and housemate, Johnny Long, and many cousins and friends.

David was born on Styles Street in Baltimore's Little Italy in April, 1949. He grew up in the tight-knit community of Italian immigrants near St. Leo's Catholic Church, with its festivals, baptisms, first communions, and family gatherings at Vellegias restaurant. The Giancristoforos lived above the store Dave's mother owned and operated. She invented the famous "Gino Burger," inspiring Gino Marchetti of the Baltimore Colts to open the first "Gino's Hamberger" shop on Loch Raven Boulevard.
 
The family later moved to the suburbs, where Dave attended Mt. Washington and Loyola High School, becoming a star running back on the football team. He graduated from the University of Maryland where he excelled in architectural design.
 
 Dave married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Zapffe, in 1971 and moved to Minneapolis where her family had strong ties. When the marriage ended in divorce, Dave began his career in apartment complex ownership and management. With his skills as a home builder and renovator, he worked on multiple projects over the last 45 years, including helping friends pro bono. After his marriage to Sharon (Windsor) ended in divorce in 2016, Dave spent a good bit of time reflecting on his life and relationships, while serving as an anger management counselor at the Men's Center in Minneapolis.  He also began calling close friends and relatives every Saturday morning, where stories and laughs were shared, along with anything else we had on our minds. Dave's weekly phone calls continued for more than 7 years, leaving those who participated amazed at what we learned about Dave, and even more amazed at what we learned about ourselves. His voice on Saturdays will be greatly missed.
 
Memorial services will be held in both Minneapolis and Baltimore. Announcements to follow. Inquiries can be made to email: duganpierre@gmail.com.