Michael M. “Mike” Giannico, 95, of Rome, NY passed away on March 4, 2026, at Oneida Health after a life well lived. Born on December 21, 1930, in Rome, NY he was the proud son of Thomas Giannico and Anna Silvestri. Mike was a graduate of Rome Free Academy.

On April 13th, 1957, he married the love of his life Winifred “Winnie” Drake. Always the life of the party, he and Winnie were the first to the dance floor and the last to leave. Together for 68 years, united in common goals and dreams they shared a beautiful life until her passing on December 27, 2024.

Mike proudly served his country and enlisted in the US Army from October 1951 to September 1953, serving in active combat in Korea. Those that knew him remember him proudly wearing his veteran hat with marksman pin! In his return to civilian life, he became a firefighter, first at the Griffiss Air Base and then joining the City of Rome Fire Department, retiring as a Lieutenant. He was recognized with commendations for several on duty as well as off duty rescues and acts of bravery during his career and was frequently featured in the annual October Fire Prevention awareness events for the community. Mike was especially proud of his grandson Alex Brement joining the force.

Mike was a gifted horseman, and along with his wife Winnie owned, bred and trained Standard bred horses for many years. Together with Winnie they raced horses all over NY State tracks with stables based at Vernon Downs for many years. He was always quick to say that Winnie drove the horses better than he did. The thrill of training a horse to win was something that never grew old for Mike especially the night his horse came from last place to win the race.

Mike loved his city and the community of friends he made, keeping himself busy with many clubs and activities. In his younger years he was a gifted fastball pitcher for the St Gregory Club Saints and pitched a No Hitter. He was a member of the St. Gregory Club, Toccolana Club, VFW Rome, Rome Firemen’s Benevolent Association, and the NY State Harness Association. He was an avid chess player who even taught his great-grandsons to play. Tuesday Poker nights with the guys were a regular event along with Bocce at the club and shuffleboard at the VFW. Mike was a proud 1st Generation Italian American and was honored to throw out the first pallino at age 93 for the World Series of Bocce. Mike was strong in his Catholic faith and for a time was head usher at St. John’s Church where he was a beloved member of the congregation.

As he loved to say “La famiglia e tutto” - Family is everything” Forever proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mike is mourned by his son Thomas (Terri) Giannico, Rome; daughters Diane (Dave) Johnson, North Carolina; Anna (Bert) Giannico Testa, Holland Patent; Ida Giannico, New Hartford, Michele (Paul) McDonald, Frankfort,

and Patricia (Ron) Brement, Lee Center. He and Winnie shared nineteen grandchildren and thirty-three great grandchildren with another due this spring. His adored Maltese TJ will miss his cuddles and attention. Mike was predeceased by his wife Winifred Giannico and a grandson Thomas Giannico.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the ER and 4th floor at Oneida Health and Dr. Gayle, Dr. Vanderhoof and his grandson Dr. Ryan O’Connell for the loving care and attention extended to Mike and all the family during this time.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday March 17, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY. Funeral services with Military Honors will take place on Wednesday March 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E Dominick Street, Rome, NY. Joint internment with his beloved wife will take place in the spring in St. John’s Cemetery.