Tournament of Roses President Passes Away

Gary J. DiSano, 62, President of the Tournament of Roses Association for the 121st  Tournament of Roses Parade and 96th Rose Bowl Game died yesterday, Sept. 20, according to an emailed press release from the Association.

DiSano has chosen the theme, “2010: A Cut Above the Rest” for the January 1, 2010 Rose Parade.  He had said about his theme that “the Tournament strives to put a Parade and Game together every year, which are better than the last, we look forward to exciting Pasadena and the world once again with our spectacle.”

“Gary DiSano was an enthusiastic and fun-loving individual,” said Jeffrey Throop, Executive Vice President of the Tournament of Roses.  “He was passionate about the Parade and Game and never let any setbacks inhibit his dedication to the organization.  He will be greatly missed.  The 2010 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game will be held on January 1 in his honor.”

DiSano was born in Los Angeles and attended La Salle High School in Pasadena.  He earned a degree in marketing from the University of Southern California and completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. Professionally he was the Director of Heavy Duty Purchasing for Century Wheel and Rim in Montebello, Calif., and RGGL Corporation in Newport Beach.

He is survived by his wife, Sabina, and his three children, Christina, Stephanie and Dominic.

Gary DiSano had been a volunteer member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association since 1972.  The Tournament of Roses was a great love of his life.  Through his more than 35 years of service, he served on and chaired various committees, including Community Relations, Formation Area, Football, Float Entries, Special Events and Tournament Entries, among others. He was elected to the Tournament’s Executive Committee in 2002.

DiSano had also been actively involved with numerous community organizations.  He served as the Planning Commissioner for the city of Newport Beach, Calif., and was a member of the Environmental Quality Affairs Committee. He also participated as a member of the Economic Development Committee of Newport Beach, a Trojan Club Commerce Associate and a USC Cardinal and Gold.

Funeral services will be private; the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the Hoag Cancer Center, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center or the Tournament of Roses Foundation .

The Association will host a Celebration of Life to honor President DiSano at Tournament House on Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.