Mario Yo-Yo Giannelli
December 24, 1920 — June 29, 2003
Mario Yo-Yo Giannelli
Mr. Giannelli was born December 24, 1920, in Everett son of the late Paolo and Raffaela Giannelli. Mario was well known for his football career at Everett High School where he was co-captain of the football team and where he played 18 consecutive full football games earning two all scholastic awards.He'd been slated to attend Holy Cross and Holy Cross paid his tuition to Bridgton Academy in Maine where he participated in track, baseball and football, earning All Maine Prep Team honors and a Maine State Prep Title.On June 7 of this year, Mario was inducted into the first Bridgton Academy Hall of fame.College recruiters persued him and Boston College didn't give up the chase, inviting him to its Sugar Bowl Banquet in 1941.When he decided to go to BC, the freshman game that year was a bloodbath; the 226-pound Giannelli was a favorite target.Upon graduation from Bridgton Academy, Yo-Yo played two seasons at Boston College, leading the 1942 team to the Orange Bowl versus Alabama.The US Army interrupted his college career for three years. Mr. Giannelli entered the service in March of 1943.He wound up in Okinawa in 1945 with the invading troops as the allies closed in on Japan.Before shipping out, however, he took up a new sport - boxing and won the heavyweight title at 3 different stateside Army bases.The war ended and 2 weeks after landing in Everett, he was back at BC preparing for the 1948 football season.Giannelli was the only BC Eagle chosen to play in the college All-Star game in Chicago versus the world champion Chicago Cardinals.He has been inducted into the BC Hall of Fame.The professional teams of the era all wanted Giannelli.Originally drafted by the Old Boston Yanks, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.Giannelli played 4 years for the Eagles, winning two NFL Championships.
Mr. Giannelli was in the liquor business for 31 years and after retiring, he worked for 10 years for the Massachusetts State Racing Commission.In 1967 he was honored by his native city of Everett as one of 10 outstanding athletes who brought the name "City of Champions" to Everett.
Mario"Yo-Yo" was the husband of Pauline (Sparicio) Giannelli.Father of Richard D. Giannelli and his wife Kathy of Melrose, Mark J. Giannelli of Melrose and daughter Ann.Brother of Daniel Giannelli of Everett, Helen Sully of Medford and the late Frank, Henry, Carlo, Paul, Arthur, Jennie D'Ambrosio and Phyllis Hagan.Grandfather of Laura and David both of Melrose. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., MELROSE Thursday July 3, at 8:45 AM. Funeral Massin St. Michael's Chapel, at the Soldier's Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 PM. Gifts in his memory may be made to St. Michael's Chapel at the Soldiers Home, 91 Crest Avenue, Chelsea, MA02150 or to Quigley Memorial Hospital Recreation Dept., 91 Crest Avenue, Chelsea, MA02150
Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
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