(November 4, 2006) -- We are terribly saddened to report that after a courageous fight to overcome extremely serious burns and eight surgeries, Elisa Gigliotti, a 30+ year LB resident and Professor of Italian and Spanish at LBCC, has passed away.

Ms. Gigliotti's passing on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 4) came a month to the day after a speeding motorcyclist struck her car on Carson St. at Faculty Ave., setting her car on fire. Bystanders braved the flames to rescue her.

With the constant support of her family and friends, Elisa fought bravely against the devastating effects of the burns.

Candlelight vigils for her brought family, friends -- and people whose lives she'd touched over the years -- to St. Joseph's Church on Willow St.

At an October 15 vigil, husband Lorenzo Gigliotti devoted over half of his remarks to thanking people -- rescuers, doctors, nurses, firefighters, paramedics, coworkers, students, friends, neighbors...and people he'd never met -- for all they'd done to help Lisa...and for their supportive messages and prayers.

Prof. Gigliotti was an active volunteer in multiple Long Beach organizations. Husband Lorenzo, MariaFrancesca, Daniela and Lorenzo, III survive her.