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This campaign is being managed by Martin Silverman, Proprietor of Porta Via, with the blessing of Rocco Brancati, Giovanni's best friend in Savoia di Lucania, Italy.
On July 4th, 2020, longtime Nashville resident Chef Giovanni Giosa, passed away after and extended, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. For the past three years, Gio privately endured surgeries, chemotherapy, and additional forms of treatment, all the while providing for his children, Aurora, 22, and Salem, 19, who has special needs.
Aurora and Salem, having lost their mother April Gardner (Giosa) six months ago from liver disease, are in need of immediate and future support for expenses related to living, healthcare, and education. These siblings have no immediate family in America. For the past three years, Aurora put on hold her desire to attend college with the goal of becoming a doctor in order to provide home care for her father and brother.
This fundraiser is being coordinated by Porta Via Ristorante in the Belle Meade neighborhood of Nashville, TN, where Gio served as executive chef since the doors opened in 2009. Despite his illness, Gio worked in the kitchen for the last three years in a limited capacity, finding purpose through his struggle and bringing joy to our customers with his Italian cuisine.
Born and raised in Italy, Gio attended culinary school at the age of 14, moved to Nashville nearly 30 years ago, and quickly established himself as a respected figure in the restaurant scene. Over time, he served as Executive Chef at the renowned Mario's and the Opryland Hotel prior to joining Porta Via. Just this year, in one of his proudest moments, Gio became an American citizen in front of his family and friends.
Those who knew Giovanni will attest to his joy for life, his kindness toward others, and of course his passion for cooking. For Gio, his kitchen was his home. From Martin Silverman, Mehrdad Alviri, and all the staff at Porta Via, we thank each of you in advance for your kindness and generosity in supporting this worthy cause. We promise to keep the alive the many traditions that Gio established during his tenure with us.
On July 4th, 2020, longtime Nashville resident Chef Giovanni Giosa, passed away after and extended, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. For the past three years, Gio privately endured surgeries, chemotherapy, and additional forms of treatment, all the while providing for his children, Aurora, 22, and Salem, 19, who has special needs.
Aurora and Salem, having lost their mother April Gardner (Giosa) six months ago from liver disease, are in need of immediate and future support for expenses related to living, healthcare, and education. These siblings have no immediate family in America. For the past three years, Aurora put on hold her desire to attend college with the goal of becoming a doctor in order to provide home care for her father and brother.
This fundraiser is being coordinated by Porta Via Ristorante in the Belle Meade neighborhood of Nashville, TN, where Gio served as executive chef since the doors opened in 2009. Despite his illness, Gio worked in the kitchen for the last three years in a limited capacity, finding purpose through his struggle and bringing joy to our customers with his Italian cuisine.
Born and raised in Italy, Gio attended culinary school at the age of 14, moved to Nashville nearly 30 years ago, and quickly established himself as a respected figure in the restaurant scene. Over time, he served as Executive Chef at the renowned Mario's and the Opryland Hotel prior to joining Porta Via. Just this year, in one of his proudest moments, Gio became an American citizen in front of his family and friends.
Those who knew Giovanni will attest to his joy for life, his kindness toward others, and of course his passion for cooking. For Gio, his kitchen was his home. From Martin Silverman, Mehrdad Alviri, and all the staff at Porta Via, we thank each of you in advance for your kindness and generosity in supporting this worthy cause. We promise to keep the alive the many traditions that Gio established during his tenure with us.
