John Gianvito, age 86, passed away on May 1, surrounded by his family at home. He was born on October 24, 1939 in Punxsutawney, PA, and later moved with his family to West Philadelphia, before settling in Brooklawn, NJ. He proudly served his country in the United States military, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to duty and service. Following his military service, he built a long and successful career in administration with the Haddon Township School District,
A graduate of Gloucester High School, he attended Rutgers University–Camden and was later inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected his talent, dedication, and athletic achievement.
The press release for the induction ceremony stated that Rocky was one of the greatest baseball players in program history. Gianvito compiled statistics that still rank among the all-time career records, even though his team never played more than 17 games in a season. Over four years, Gianvito played in 58 career games, a total reached in 1½ seasons by the current schedule. A hard-hitting centerfielder who also saw time on the mound, Gianvito compiled a .337 career batting average and ranks among the all-time leaders in home runs (8, tied for fifth place), triples (6, tied for eighth) and saves (2, tied for ninth). His totals for stolen bases (22, tied for 10th) and sacrifice flies (5, tied for eighth) also rank among the career leaders despite two seasons where those categories weren’t even recorded. Gianvito is tied for the program single-game record with two triples (against LaSalle University, April 14, 1958) and still holds the mark with five walks in a game against Philadelphia Textile, May 2, 1961. His single-season stats include an amazing three seasons with a slugging percentage .545 or higher, including .646 in 1959 (seventh all-time) and .609 in 1960 (12th). He had a .413 batting average in 1960 (sixth all-time) on-base percentages of .552 and .509 (third and seventh) in 1961 and 1960, respectively, and 1961 totals of 22 walks (tied for 14th), 15 stolen bases (tied for 8th) and three sacrifice flies (tied for seventh).
Gianvito earned MVP and Co-MVP awards for Rutgers baseball, hit a pair of career grand slams (including one measured at 450 feet against St. Joseph\’s University in 1958), stole second, third and home consecutively against Drexel University (1960) and won a pair of games in relief in 1961. His accomplishments helped the Raptors win three consecutive Delaware Valley Conference championships from 1959-61.
During his freshman and sophomore years, Gianvito also earned two varsity letters in both soccer (goaltender) and basketball (guard).
A 1961 graduate of Rutgers College of South Jersey, Gianvito was an Economics major. He received his Master’s of Education in Educational Administration (Business) from Glassboro State College in 1980.
Mr. and Mrs. John and Joan Gianvito
He is survived by his children, Todd, Lori, and Brian; his grandchildren, Brynn, Nolan, Austin, Ty, Ryan, and Addison; daughters-in-law Nicole and Donna. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan (nee Lane).
In lieu of flowers, please donate in John’s name to the American Cancer Society.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, from 11 am – 1 pm, followed by a funeral ceremony at 1 pm in Givnish Funeral Homes, located at 398 E. Main Street, Marlton, NJ, 08053. Interment in Parkview Cemetery at Kirby’s Mill, Medford, NJ.
A 1961 graduate of Rutgers College of South Jersey, Gianvito was an Economics major. He received his Master\’s of Education in Educational Administration (Business) from Glassboro State College in 1980.
Rocky grew up in Brooklawn, NJ, and attended Alice Costello Grammar School. He graduated from Gloucester High School, where he also excelled in baseball.