1

EASTHAMPTON - The retired owner of Nini's Restaurant in Easthampton, Giovanni Daniele, 68, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 13, 1943, in Bracigliano, province of Salerno, Italy, he was the son of the late Aristide and Giovannina (Capaccio) Daniele. He came to the United States from Italy, settling in Springfield in 1961.

Giovanni worked with his sister Edda and her husband, Nick Caputo, the owners of the Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield for many years. In 1975, Giovanni founded Nini's Restaurant and Pizzeria in Easthampton.

He retired in December 2010. Giovanni's son, Johnny Daniele, now operates the restaurant, carrying on his father's legacy and traditions.

Giovanni is survived by his three children, Johnny and his wife, Chelsea, of Southampton, Alisa Viarengo of West Springfield, and Rosanna Daniele of Easthampton; two grandchildren, Destiny Viarengo, and Giovanni Daniele and his loving fiancée, Debra Garrow, and her daughter, Heather.

Besides his sister Edda and her husband, Nick Caputo, of Longmeadow, Giovanni leaves his brother, Leontino Daniele and his wife, Michelina, of Springfield; many nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Luisa Daniele.

Giovanni was predeceased by his sister Rosetta Cerrato, who died in Italy.

The funeral will be held Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. from the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, William Street, Springfield. A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Giovanni's name may be directed to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Multiple Myeloma Research, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.