Jason Michael-John Giani of South Setauket, NY died on Christmas Day, 2022 at the young age of 35. Jason valiantly battled Stage 4 Rectal Cancer for over 7 years and never let this disease rob him of his smile. Spending his childhood in West Islip, NY, Jason was usually found on the pitcher’s mound any day of the week. His love of baseball steered him to Marist College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Jason worked in the corporate world for just a few years until he was diagnosed. Jason had a passion for fast cars, Nike SB Dunks, and the UFC. He loved participating in The Hunt exotic car rallies and meeting up with friends and their cars on Sunday mornings. Jason built a sneaker collection that was admired by many. You could regularly hear him talking about Chunky Dunks, Elmos, Baby Bears, Travis Scott’s, and others. He would wear a different pair to chemotherapy treatments every 2 weeks and was so excited to talk about them with anyone who noticed. And everyone noticed. Jason’s bucket list included attending a UFC event, and he was gifted that opportunity twice in the last few months. Those events were his goal to reach each time, and although he was struggling, nothing was keeping him from attending. He was so genuinely grateful for the opportunity to attend and for the kindness shown by all. Upon Jason’s death, we’ve heard so many stories from others reaching out to let us know how Jason impacted their lives and helped them when they were in need even though he was suffering himself.

Jason is survived by his mother Lisa Ohland, stepfathers Erik Ohland and John Drago, grandmother Carol Langstroth, sister Brittany Drago, stepsisters Lindsey Ohland and Ashley Ohland, stepbrothers Andrew Ohland and Conor Ohland, aunt Michelle (Giani) Gambino, nephews Frankie & Vinnie Gambino, uncle George Giani (Trina), cousins Johnathan Giani, Nicki Pipes (Cody), Jacob Giani, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving family members. He is predeceased by his aunt Caryn Ingraham and grandfather Benjamin Langstroth. Jason also made lasting friendships, building bonds that were as strong as family. It was Jason’s desire to establish a foundation to help other young adults with cancer. We haven’t set that up yet but will do so in the near future. If you’d like to donate to an established charity, please do so in his name to Dear Jack Foundation (dearjackfoundation.org) or For Pete’s Sake (takeabreakfromcancer.org). Both of these foundations do incredible work and were close to Jason’s heart. Jason always tried to emphasize the need to listen to your body. If you feel something is “off”, get it checked out. Knowledge is power and the more information you have, the better you are to make informed decisions. If even one life can be saved….