HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Julius M. Gionta, 96, died on June 1, 2024 at the Lutheran Care Center. A resident of Dutchess County since 2018, he previously lived in Lake MacGregor, Mahopac for 50 years.

Born on May 16, 1928 in Manhattan, Julius was the son of the late Augusto and Florence (Troisi) Gionta. He graduated from City College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He then went on to proudly serve in the US Army during the Korean War in 1950. For his service in the 45th Division in Korea, Julius was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Korean Service Metal with 2 Bronze stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. He was also awarded the Army of Occupation Japan Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and a Medal for Merit from New York State. After being honorably discharged in 1952, Julius attended NYU and received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree. He retired in 1985 as a Design Engineer for AT & T in Suffern, NY where he was employed for over 23 years.

Julius is survived by his sons, Jesse K. (Nancy) Gionta of Wappingers Falls and Greg (JoAnn) Gionta of Hopewell Junction; his grandchildren, Megan (Michael), Kayla (Ed), Sarah Jean, Grace, and Jessica; his great-grandchildren, Olivia, Veronica, Mikey, and Owen; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Julius was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Phyllis D. Gionta, in 2018; and his siblings, Dante Gionta and Caroline Gionta.

If you knew Julius, you knew he could never sit still and could always be found tinkering around the house fixing something or cooking. He was an avid Ballroom dancer and would always be on the dance floor with his wife or one of his granddaughters. He enjoyed making pizza from scratch and could twirl and throw a pizza like it was no one's business. School was important to Julius and he always wanted to learn. He was also an avid reader and loved doing crossword puzzles, in pen no less. His family will miss his laugh, his smile, and most of all, the love he showed to all of them.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 4th from 6–8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 5th at 10:00 am at the funeral home followed by entombment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery with military honors.

Donations may be made in his memory to Disabled American Veterans at Castle Point VAMC or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.