Obituary of John Francis Gangi

John Francis Gangi, born January 2nd, 1947, was raised in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. He was the youngest of four children shared by Charlotte Barbara O'Malley Gangi and Joseph Paul Gangi. John was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother Russell R.E. Gangi d.2021 (Tina Gangi). He is survived by his sister Marie Patrice Gangi Diaz (Joseph M. Diaz) and brother George A.L. Gangi (Cathy Gangi d.2019) John is also survived by his daughters, Christina Elizabeth Gangi and Liza Marie Gangi Heiskell (Matthew P. Heiskell), his grandchildren Charles Joseph and Dorian Elizabeth Heiskell, his nieces and nephews Jay Gangi (Victoria Gangi), Ted Gangi, Lia Gangi, Lawrence Gangi, Gloria Gangi and Vincent Gangi. John leaves behind several grand nieces and nephews; Meghan Straw, Kira and Kylie Gangi, and Giavanna, Roman, Leonardo, Vincenzo, and Lorencia Gangi. Several other extended family members and wonderful friends remain present to remember John. In the mid-1960's, having never been on a plane or even seen the University, John followed in his older brother Russell's footsteps to the University of Kansas. While at K.U., John studied Journalism and how to become a diehard Jayhawk fan. Upon graduation he returned to NYC where he met his first wife Mary Lou Slevin while slinging drinks at Guy Fawkes, his brother Russell's bar. John later used his academic credentials to get a job as a writer and editor of a Men's Hairstyle Magazine. With a growing family and visions of Atticus Finch, John set out to become a lawyer and in 1974 the family packed up and moved to Wilmington, Delaware where John attended Delaware Law School (now Widener University Delaware Law School). Upon graduation from Delaware Law School in 1977, John began practicing family law while raising his own in Wilmington. The home John shared with his daughters on West 18th Street was an integral part of his life. In that home, on that street, John made lifelong friends in a community filled with love, support and laughter. In 1986 John formed the practice of Gangi & Pritzkur located at 712 West Street in downtown Wilmington. He took great pride in the renovation of this historic building which helped to revitalize the neighborhood. John formed deep friendships with many lawyers in the area - including a couple that he actually went to law school with. In his personal and professional life, John was known as a kind, honest and generous man, always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand. He loved the underdog, the little guy, or the longshot and would fight for them relentlessly. When clients couldn't pay for his legal services, he was known to accept barters or gifts in exchange - whether it was painting his house, an antique clock, or a fresh baked loaf of sourdough bread, he never turned anyone away that needed his help. John - a romantic at heart, was also a gifted writer; many friends and family members recall his thoughtful letters with exquisite penmanship. Wilmington was a place that John loved and where he thrived. He had a successful law practice, loved restoration projects, antiques and collecting art. He loved the Sunday New York Times and would spend all day sifting through it over cups of hot coffee at the kitchen table. He followed KU Basketball and the NY Mets with passion. One of his favorite pastimes was a day at Delaware Park to "watch the ponies." AND he never said no to a party! He especially loved family gatherings a.k.a. "ExtravaGangis." In 2016 John retired and moved to Morgantown, West Virginia to be closer to his grandchildren. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and spent the last eight years fighting it. On August 1, 2024 John succumbed to the disease and its complications. For the weeks leading up, he was surrounded by his family and friends. John's family is forever thankful to the kind and caring staff at Kingwood Healthcare Center and the compassionate care he received from the angels of West Virginia Caring Hospice. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life in Wilmington, Delaware in late September or early October. If you would like to be informed of the details, please email your name and contact information to: Lgheiskell@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (Alz.org) or West Virginia Caring Hospice (wvcaring.org/donate-to-wv-caring). Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.