Vito Nick Giotta

Vito "Nick" Giotta of Visalia truly loved life, and it was a love he shared with everyone he knew. Nick passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025 at the age of 75 surrounded by the family he adored. His life, so rich with stories and passion, was concluded too soon by ALS, but the memories he made will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew him. Born on December 5, 1949, Nick was a proud son of Visalia's vibrant Italian-American community. After graduating from Redwood High School in 1968, he joined the Army Reserve and soon discovered his knack for all things science and technology, eventually earning a certificate in television and radio repair from the DeVry Institute of Technology. In 1976, Nick's life took a beautiful turn when he met Gay (nee Baldwin) on a blind date that went 'just dandy' (as he was fond of saying). A year later, they were married, and their love story grew with the arrival of a daughter and a son. Nick was a man of many talents and passions. He helped build the family business, Vito's Git & Go, and later served as a correctional officer at Corcoran State Prison for over a decade. But beyond his work, Nick was a true enthusiast. He found joy in the hum of a classic car he was restoring and the careful detail of his coin collection. He cherished weekend trips to Pismo Beach and, above all, the Fourth of July celebrations with his family. A gifted storyteller, he delighted in recounting tales from his youth, often with a loyal dog by his side or on his lap. Nick's vibrant spirit and loving heart will be deeply missed. Nick is preceded in death by his parents, Vito A. Giotta and Lois R. Wakefield, and his sister, Toni Giotta Nicks. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Gay, children, Gina (Kevin McDonald) of Pasadena and Nick (Taryn) of Visalia, grandchildren, Grant and Alexi of Visalia, brother David (Janis) of Visalia, and a loving network of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Sylvia and Jackie, whose help and support allowed them to care for Dad/Papa at home throughout his illness. Nick's visitation will take place on Friday, September 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Avenue, Visalia. A chapel service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 13 at 9 a.m. with burial to follow at the Visalia District Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. and a reception at The Hyde (formerly The Lamplighter), 3200 W. Mineral King, Visalia, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Vito Nick Giotta

December 5, 1949 - August 22, 2025