GIANELLI, Steven Fredrick (Steve)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, January 12, 2014 Steven Fredrick Gianelli, 66, died peacefully on Jan. 8, 2014, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born on Oct. 5, 1947, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Frank and Eleanor (Curran) Gianelli, attended Central High School in Phoenix, and graduated with a bachelor's of science degree from Northern Arizona University in 1969. "Mr. G" was a lifelong educator who touched countless lives. He taught earth science and oceanography at Mount Gleason Middle School in Sunland, Calif., for seven years before taking a position at Prescott High School in 1977, teaching primarily oceanography. He taught at PHS for 25 years, inspiring students with his love of science and positive attitude. He became a certified scuba diver in 1971 and a few years later was certified as a scuba instructor. He certified countless scuba students in Southern California and in Prescott, and operated Ocean Adventurers, a small business that sold scuba equipment and ran dive excursions to California and Mexico. He ran both scuba and oceanography tours to Cholla Bay/Puerto Penasco on the Sea of Cortez for many years, introducing students to the wonders of the underwater world. Steve is survived by his daughter Natalie Gianelli; his brothers Paul, Michael, David, Jim; and sister Martha Bengston; and all their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Brian Edward Gianelli. A celebration of life will take place 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at the Prescott High School auditorium. All who knew and loved Steve are invited to attend and share their thoughts and memories. His ashes will be scattered in Cholla Bay, Mexico - the diver returns to the sea. Information provided by survivors.