Michael "Goose" Giustiniani

Michael “Goose” Giustiniani was born on April 28, 1987, in Abilene, Texas. While his nickname Goose reflected his lively nature, it likely stuck due to no one being able to properly pronounce his last name. Michael gave us all his final flex on June 11, 2024, at Hendrick Medical Center South in Abilene, Texas. A visitation will be Sunday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, June 16, 2024, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. A celebration of Goose’s life will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, June 17, 2024 at Elmwood Funeral Home’s Chapel. 

To say Michael lost his battle to cancer would be a disservice to him and those that witnessed his journey he openly shared since his diagnosis in November 2023. His optimism, grit, and zeal for life was unwavering through every obstacle, showing us all that while we can’t choose our circumstances, we get to choose our attitude in the journey. 

Michael was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, graduating from Cooper High School in 2007. He spent the majority of his professional pursuits in the oil field, which served as a front for his on-road comedy career. Michael’s last job was at Patterson UTI, creating their training and development safety program. While Goose was known professionally for his work ethic and passion he brought day-to-day to the office, his most important and loved work was his son, Preston. 

Goose brought joy, good stories, and a great time to be had anywhere he went. He would give the shirt off of his back to people in need, and then give the ladies a moment to admire his muscles as he flexed. Michael’s favorite color was hot pink, but we all found it odd that a guy that was colorblind would have a favorite color he couldn’t even see. Michael’s love language was food, and there was never a meal had with him that wasn’t an experience. This genetic trait, along with his wit and natural ability to banter, were directly inherited from his best friend and dad, Joe.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Norma and Dale Hilden, Joe and Carol Giustiniani, and Teresa Jones.

Goose is survived by his son, Preston Giustiniani; his father and best friend, Joe Giustiniani; his mother, Lisa Hilden; his stepmother, Tabatha Giustiniani; his sisters, Destiny Norman and husband Reed Norman, and Tori Giustiniani-Hathaway and husband Ernest Hathaway; his brother, Joey Giustiniani; Mother of Preston, Chenny Nguyen; grandmother, Kay Giustiniani; grandfather, Jerry Jones; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that were like family. 

“Life is too short. The next day is never promised. Never take anyone for granted!”-Michael Giustiniani 

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to a GoFundMe account that has been set up to continue to help his family. Click here to donate