Gian Martino Lippiello, a lifelong resident of the Bronx, died on September 18, 2026 after receiving Catholic Last Rites surrounded by family. He was 53 years old.
Gian was born on June 6, 1973 in the Bronx to Angelo and Maria Lippiello. He is predeceased by his mother, Maria, and is survived by his father Angelo, brothers Vincenzo (Melissa) and Marcello (Hannah) and his nieces Ilaria and Caterina and nephews Giuseppe and Eliseo.
Gian’s life was shaped by determination and a deep desire to build something meaningful. After graduating from St. Clare of Assisi grammar school and St. Raymond high school in the Bronx, he couldn’t wait to get out into the world and start working. Even as a kid, he had a stubborn, my‑way attitude — a trait that stayed with him into adulthood. That attitude became one of his greatest strengths, driving him to carve his own path and ultimately contributing to his many successes.
Gian’s pride in his Bronx roots was unmistakable. He loved his Morris Park neighborhood with a loyalty that never wavered even as it changed overtime — its streets, its people, its energy. And nothing captured that spirit more than his love of cars. From the time he was young, he was obsessed with them: the sound, the feel, the freedom. Long before he had a permit, he’d sneak behind the wheel and drive around the block, grinning ear to ear, thrilled by the simple joy of motion and independence. That passion stayed with him throughout his life, a reminder of where he came from and the things that made him feel most alive.
He carried an entrepreneurial spirit from the very beginning, never afraid to try something new or get his hands dirty. Over the years he explored several professions — plumber, bread truck route driver, landscaper, hotel management — each one teaching him something different about people, responsibility, and himself.
Ultimately, Gian found his true calling in real estate. What began as another venture quickly became a passion. He loved the work, the challenge, and most of all, the people. One of his favorite movies as a kid was The Super with Joe Pesci, and he often joked about the character’s antics — but unlike Pesci’s ruthless landlord character, Gian treated his tenants with respect, genuine kindness, and a sense of fairness that earned him lasting relationships. He believed that being a landlord wasn’t just about property; it was about community, trust, and showing up for people. What follows passion is success and Gian achieved it in spades.
What Gian truly cherished, though, was time spent with his family. At gatherings, he loved to sit back and watch everyone — the laughter, the conversations, the familiar rhythm of people who knew and loved one another. He reveled in the traditions of his Italian culture, and especially valued the older generation and often sought their wisdom. He also had a lot of affection for the younger members of the family, especially his godson Salvatore Mancini. For Gian, the greatest joy was simply being together and feeling that sense of camaraderie. He didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room; he led by quiet example, showing through his actions what mattered most: loyalty, unity, and love.
Gian built a life defined by hard work and heart. His legacy lives on in the connections he made, the traditions he honored, and the steady, thoughtful way he cared for those around him.
Visiting will be Tuesday, September 22 from 4pm-8p.m. at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Family and friends wishing to attend the visitation virtually may do so by clicking the following link at any time during the visiting hours Lippiello Virtual Visitation . Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 23 at 11a.m. at St. Clare’s Church, 1918 Paulding Avenue, Bronx, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne.
Til we meet again for devil juice! Love you, miss you, my Man!