Michael Gemignani
Michael Gemignani, of League City, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024 in Dickinson, Texas at the age of 86.
Michael was born on February 23, 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland to Hugo and Dorothy Gemignani.
Michael received a B.A. from University of Rochester in 1962, a M.S. in Mathematics from University of Notre Dame in 1964, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Notre Dame in 1965, and a J.D. from Indiana School of Law in 1980. His professional career began as an Instructor at St. Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame. He would go on to become an associate Professor at SUNY in Buffalo, Professor and Chairman at Indiana University and Purdue University, Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities and Professor of Telecommunication at Ball State University, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maine and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Houston.
Michael became an ordained Episcopal Priest in Indianapolis in 1975. He would go on to serve in various positions including Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Freeport, Texas, Assisting Priest at St. Michael’s in LaMarque, Texas, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Dickinson, Texas, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Pearland. He was an avid composer of liturgical music with seven songs published by World library of Sacred Music and J.S. Paluch.
Michael wrote several books and publications on subjects such as mathematics, calculus and statistics, axiomatic geometry, computer law, Alzheimer’s, and spiritual formation. He was a Certified Community Health Worker and Certified Long Term Care Ombudsman, active in protecting the rights of the elderly.
He was preceded in death by his wife Nilda (d. 2011), wife Carol (d. 1984), parents Hugo and Dorothy, and sister Margaret.
He is survived by his brother John Gemignani, his children Susan Munoz, Steve Gemignani and Olivia and husband Wayne Smith and his grandchildren, Payton Smith and Savanna Smith.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 10 AM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 4613 Hwy 3, Dickinson TX.
His love of Christ, and his willingness to share his knowledge will live on in many of us who knew and loved him. There are no words, my heart is bruised at the loss of his friendship, but heaven is brighter. Rest in peace gentle Mike and rise in glory.
For each of us, Fr. Mike was and is the heart of our Meditation group. His care – his insight – his music – his spirit of desire to be connected … all these will leave us when he does. It is up to us to live the changes he has made possible in our lives. We are losing a brother, who truly lives in Christ. Our love and prayers go with him into paradise.
Eternal rest grant unto Michael, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon Michael. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Thankful to God for his friendship.
Rest in Peace Michael
Fr. Mike graced our Meditation Group (Mary Queen Catholic Church, Friendswood) with his presence!!! He brought joy, love, peace, wisdom, music and such caring to each of us! We will miss his humor! He was a rare individual who made each and everyone feel so very special. He was so connected to the Divine! His constant message to us was “follow the river”. We will forever remember his joyful ZOOM embrace the last time he shared our group on Zoom. What JOY! My goodness, Fr. Mike, you were so loved! We miss you so! You are free now!
Mike, You were my wonderful brother. I was always in awe of your mind and your kind heart. Years ago you taught me, your young brother, to solve algebra equations, as you taught higher math to college students. Later, it was your strong spirituality that you brought to numerous parishioners. I love you Mike, and know your soul is at peace. John Gemignani
Father Mike was a very special Priest. He was always interested in helping all Daughters of the King. His books were always a guide for Daughters going Deeper. I will always remember several of his books that inspired me. God Bless his family. For His Sake.
Mike was a co-leader of a spirituality group for clergy in the early 2000s in Houston. His was tough love as we gained in formation and became closer to one another and to God. I will always treasure what we learned from him. He really was one of a kind and thank God he lived and served among us.
His love of Christ was so apparent, and his willingness to share through his teachings blessed so many. I will always treasure our conversations and was blessed by his friendship. Heaven is one star brighter, and I am sure he has found a piano. Well done good and faithful servant.
Fr. Mike. You were my spiritual advisor, my friend and my chaplain as I asked the Daughters of the King of Texas to “Follow Me” as their Diocesan President. You gave me courage and strength because you lovingly shared your wisdom and patience. I shall miss you, but you have left so much of yourself behind. Your music, your lessons, so many memories. I say goodbye for now but confident in the fact that i will see you again. Rest in peace my friend. You were and remain a bright light.