Our “Hero”, Stephen Gisondi, 33, has passed into God’s loving arms. He truly was a “Warrior”. He served with the 82nd Airborne at Ft Bragg, NC for 5 years. Sgt Gisondi was a Paratrooper, Jump Master and an Army Ranger. He loved the Army and served selflessly in defense of his country. Every one who ever served with him has said, “they would go into any conflict standing shoulder to shoulder with “Gisondi”, without hesitation knowing he was the best of the best. His leaders and the soldiers he led consistently spoke of his strength, character, and leadership qualities.

One of the greatest honors of his Army career was being selected to do a commemorative jump onto the beaches of Normandy Beach, France in remembrance of D-Day, June 6th.

Stephen believed in Winston Churchill’s saying, “If you’re going through hell, keep going”!.

Stephen graduated St Leo’s elementary in Lincroft, Middletown South HS and the Univ of RI where he double majored in Economics and Italian. He was President of his fraternity, Tau Epsilon Phi. He excelled in HS basketball, soccer, and track where he jumped hurdles. It was a pleasure watching him on the field. He was there to “win” – nothing less! You could see the determination in his face. That’s who Stephen was – he put his heart and soul into everything he attempted. He helped with the challenged kids in HS and would never let them be undermined.

Stephen had a gift for storytelling and could keep those around him engaged for hours with stories about the soldiers he trained and led. He inspired his squad, and they deeply respected and loved him.

Stephen was very community minded. He volunteered at an orphanage off base, bringing joy to children facing difficult circumstances. He also volunteered at the animal shelter after rescuing his own puppy, Lexi. He trained in Jiu-Jitsu.

Spiritually, he was active in St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on base. He loved the Chaplains there and they had a special bond with him.

Stephen is survived by his parents, Tony and Christina and his sister, Lauren; Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike; cousins Elizabeth and Angela of FL and several Aunts and Uncles and cousins, nephews and nieces in NJ and his special friend, Gina.

We have lost the best part of our lives with Stephen’s untimely passing. He was truly a special person who made everyone smile when he was around. Stephen will be remembered for his courage, leadership, humor and unwavering commitment to those he loved and served alongside.

A memorial visitation will be held April 7th from 5 – 9pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Funeral Mass will be at St Leo the Great, 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft on April 8th at 10:15am followed by a Military Funeral at St Gabriel’s in Marlboro.

Donations may be made in Stephen’s honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation for the Military.