Joseph W. Gigante

Joseph William Gigante, a resident of Westwood for over 60 years, died Monday, April 9, 2012 at his home.  He was 95.  Joseph was born December 2, 1916 in New York City, New York, the son of Italian immigrants John and Anna (Gambardella) Gigante.  Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from New York University.  He founded STOL Aircraft Corporation in Norwood, Massachusetts.  There he designed and produced the UC-1 Twin Bee amphibious aircraft shown in the picture above, until his retirement in 1992.   Joe was an avid runner and could often be found at the Westwood High School track.  He was the husband of the late Marianne (Ghysels) Gigante and the brother of the late Mario, Victor, Alfred, and Aintonette “Tina” Gigante.  Joseph is survived by his daughter, Nina C. Gigante of Venice, California; his two sons, Stephen J. Gigante of New York City, New York, and David E. Gigante of Lawrence, Kansas; his granddaughter, Eden Levin; and two brothers, George Gigante of Van Nuys, California, and John Gigante of Deerfield, Florida.  Services and interment will be private.