My fondest memory of Gino is obviously the day we met. It was May 27, 1989. Having just arrived from my home in Boise, it was my second day in Napoli and my niece took my brother and I to this charming place called “Gino’s Joint.” I was introduced to Gino and fell in love right then and there. I knew I was going to stay in Italy and be with him always.
I have wonderful memories of our favorite place on the Amalfi coast and all the fun, happy, and romantic days spent there. I never wanted to leave. Having Jessica, our daughter, in Italy was definitely an experience we would not forget.
When we moved to Meridian… wow, what a scary exciting time. But Gino assured me again this was the right move and all would be fine. Gino could make everything fine with me and I trusted him wholeheartedly.
I remember the day Gino came home and said we were opening a restaurant. I was stunned because I didn’t even know he could cook, which he assured me he could.
Having our son Vincent was also a time in our life that we were so happy about. Gino loved his children so much. And then the grandchildren came along and stole his heart again.
I have so many memories of our lives together. He was such a great husband, father and grandfather. There will never be another man like him and I am so lucky to have had him in my life.
Jessica Vuolo: My most fond memories are the ones of us simply sitting together in the living room, lights down low listening to Andrea bocelli just talking, laughing and dancing with you. There were also the times we took rides in your cars going as fast as we could because you always confused yourself with Mario Andretti, or the nights the four of us stayed up late watching movies and cooking steak and lobster tails which we dipped in our special fry sauce.
Everyone always says I’m just a mini you! I take that as the highest compliment in the world and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love you for infinity.
Editor’s Note: Gino Vuolo who would have turned 60 on April 27th, was born in Naples, Italy. At the age of two, Gino’s father opened a restaurant in the Empire State Building in New York where Gino lived for 20 years, before moving home to Naples.
In 1996, Gino and Tia opened the first Gino’s Italian Ristorante in Downtown Boise. Eventually, a second location opened in Meridian, and is still open today.