Damon Giovanielli Obituary

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, our community lost Damon Giovanielli, a happy, loving man, who “always had a sparkle in his eyes” and a longing to interact with those around him.

Damon was born in Teaneck, NJ on May 8, 1943 and stuck close to home for college, attending Princeton University. He went on to earn his PhD in physics from Dartmouth College and spent the majority of his scientific career at Los Alamos National Lab. Damon loved his time at the lab, eventually becoming leader of the Physics Division. As a member of numerous boards and committees in Los Alamos and beyond, Damon shared his scientific expertise and passion. People who worked with him or for him knew he was a mentor above all else, motivating and elevating those around him.

Those who knew him outside of the lab remember Damon for his love of little kids and his masterful storytelling, which he often combined. Even as he drew in people of all ages, he also encouraged them to fly - to overcome challenges and succeed in their own unique way. He mentored anyone of any age.

No one knows this more than his two daughters, Kira and Tina. Although he repeatedly credited his wife of 56 years, Ellie, with “doing most of the work,” Damon was absolutely and unconditionally devoted to his family. Besides his wife and daughters, Damon leaves behind five beloved grandchildren, Colby, Gianna, Nico, Derek, and Lexi, as well as his brother in law and sister in law, David and Barbara Rand.

We mourn Damon’s passing, but we celebrate the man he was: devoted husband and father, supportive colleague, and overall source of happiness.

Damon was a dedicated member of Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church in Los Alamos. A service for him will be held there on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11am. There will also be a live stream link available from the church at https://www.facebook.com/TrinityOTH/

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (https://latoth.org/supportus/) or the J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Scholarship Fund (https://jromc.org/scholarships/).