Giancarlo Novi

In Loving Memory of Giancarlo Novi

Giancarlo Novi, beloved husband, father, Nonno, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on October 24, 1936, in Lucca, Italy, Giancarlo (John) lived a life defined by faith, strength, generosity, and love for his family. He was our center—a steady presence whose wisdom, humor, and kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

John, the youngest of 6 children, came from humble beginnings living in walled town of Lucca. He and his family survived enemy invasions during WWII, often surviving on whatever nature provided. In 1957, knowing no English, skilled as a motorcycle mechanic, he immigrated to America to join his family in Roseville, Ca. He worked hard at various jobs while learning to speak English. He soon met the love of his life, Lola Ianni, and they married in 1963. He eventually landed a job as a plasterer. John and his brother Bruno bought the business in 1979 and launched Novi Plastering. They quickly established a reputation for excellence in the lath and plaster industry. Bruno eventually retired, and the family business grew to include both Mark and Nancy. John was so very proud of the successful company they built; it broke his heart to close the business in 2012. He wasn’t willing to compromise his ethics to compete in what had become a very cut-throat business climate.

John set the example for hard work. He always had the “pedal down” but also made sure to enjoy life and make memories by taking family vacations, dancing with his wife, building his dream home, going to the cabin, and enjoying his favorite pastimes: hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

As a father, John raised his children with love and set the example for faith, hard work, kindness, compassion, respect, responsibility, and family first. As a grandfather, no one felt more privileged or proud than our Nonno. His greatest passion and legacy became loving, cherishing, and sharing his beautiful soul with his four granddaughters.

John will be deeply missed by his wife Lola, son Mark Novi (Lynn), daughter Nancy Chiapuzio (Andy), brother Bruno Novi (Guiseppina), granddaughters Adrianna Novi, Caitlin Chiapuzio, Sara Novi, and Emily Chiapuzio, niece Sandra Ferri (Nicola and Martina), as well as many family, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched.

Though our hearts are heavy with his passing, we are comforted knowing he is in the loving hands of God, welcomed by family and friends in heaven, and likely fishing beneath his favorite pine tree, catching big trout. We cherish his love, laughter, and memories that live forever in our hearts.

Services will be held on Thursday September 10, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery in Citrus Heights, CA. Viewing is at 10:00 am, Mass at 11:00 followed by the burial. A reception/celebration of life at 1:00 pm.