Racine- Giovani "Gio" Valentino Tirado, 19, had his life taken from him on Saturday, July 10, 2010. Giovani was born in Racine on November 5, 1990 to Gregory and Lana (nee: Innocencio) Tirado, Sr. He was currently employed as a landscaper and, previously, at the Hob Nob Restaurant. Gio enjoyed working out at World Gym and playing volleyball, especially at Castle Lanes courts and on a team for Racine County.

Giovani excelled in every aspect of his life. He was a graduate of Washington Park High School where he played varsity football and track. He received the Panther Four-Year Athlete Award 2005-2008. Gio loved to sing, dance and could always put a smile on your face.

Surviving are his broken-hearted family: parents, Greg and Lana Tirado; son, Jeremiah Elijah Tirado; fiancé, Veronica Cordova; brothers, Gregory Jr. and Marcelo Tirado; sisters, Mariah, Marissa and Lexie Tirado; grandparents, Felix and Carmen Tirado; and Mary Buscemi; great-grandparents, Joseph and Betty Buscemi, and Seledonia Ynocencio; best-friend, Michael Melendez; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends too numerous to mention by name. Gio was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ismael Innocencio; and best-friends, Torivio Melendez and Casey Jones.

Funeral services will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, July 16, 2010 at 10 am with Rev. Donavon Blair officiating. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 5-8 pm and on Friday from 9-10 am.

Special note of thanks to all the courageous bystanders that comforted Gio and for doing everything in their powers in trying to save his life. The family would also like to thank relatives and friends for their support and help during this devastating time in their lives.