Gianni DeVincentis Hayes, 73
3/18/1949 – 11/19/2022
SALISBURY, MD - Gianni (formerly "Nanci") DeVincentis Hayes died peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Born in Monaca, PA, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Virginia DeVincentis.
Higher education and academia were Gianni's passion. She was a life-long student and a college professor, in addition to being an accomplished author of more than 20 published books and hundreds of articles and short stories. Her love of lecturing led her to host a talk radio program and to travel worldwide speaking on cruise ships on such topics as politics, religion, and the humanities. After earning a Master's degree in Christian counseling, she served as a minister and a volunteer hospital chaplain. Gianni helped found the Writers Bloc of the Eastern Shore, and she served on various boards throughout the community.
She earned her Bachelor's degree from Villa Maria College, now part of Gannon University in biology/chemistry, and two Master's degrees from Duquesne University in medical bioresearch, education, and administration. Gianni was most proud of earning her Ph.D., Summa cum laude, in comparative literature from the University of Maryland College Park.
It was during her years as a graduate student at Duquesne that she met her husband of 45 years, James R. Hayes, who passed away in February 2021. Jim and Gianni started their family in Pittsburgh, PA, where they resided until 1984 when they moved to Salisbury. She was a die-hard Steelers football fan, a lover of Broadway and classical music, and enjoyed traveling with her husband.
Gianni is survived by her two daughters, Marta Hayes Trice (Andrew) and Brynne Moore (Charles); her grandchildren, Graham, Olivia, Griffin, Maxwell, Natalie, Grayson, and Zachary; her brother, David DeVincentis (Cathy) of St. Peters, MO; along with several nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many dear friends who helped with her care as her illness progressed.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home on Snow Hill Road. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Holloway, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Wicomico Memorial Park immediately following the service.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Lakeside at Mallard Landing and the many nurses at TidalHealth for their compassion in Gianni's final months of life.