Louis Paul "Jiggs" Gigliotti

Dec 10, 1920 -

Jun 10, 2025

Louis "Jiggs" Paul Gigliotti, 104, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by family who loved and cared for him deeply. Born on Dec. 10, 1920, in Bridgeport, Conn., Jiggs lived a remarkable life filled with service, adventure and devotion to those around him.

As a young man, Jiggs joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he built a strong work ethic and a commitment to community. During World War II, he proudly served in the United States Army as a surgical technician, caring for soldiers with skill and compassion.

After the war, he worked a variety of jobs before discovering his calling as a bartender with the Bartenders Union. In 1955, he made the bold decision to move north to Alaska to fish and run sled dogs. There, he became part of the mushing community, running teams with his close friend Andy Jimmie and working alongside Joe Redington Sr., remaining lifelong friends with the Redington family.

Over the years, Jiggs opened a few bars in Fairbanks, Alaska, and later settled in Anchorage with his wife, Mildred "Millie" Charlie. He worked at the 515 Bar until retirement, when he opened "Jiggs Garage" a boxing gym, coaching young fighters including Brian "The Rock" Ryan and Tony Ridges.

Jiggs is preceded in death by his wife, Millie; brothers, Dominick and Edward; sister, Maria; and other loved ones. He is survived by Sean and Melanie Carey; sisters, Clare Charlie, Wanda Charlie, Bonnie Charlie, Jeri Knabe and Mary King; brothers, Andy Jimmie, Donald Charlie, Brian Charlie and Marty King; nieces, Hayley Harrison, Crystal Jade, Devyn King and Sharli Escalante; nephews, Cory Knabe, Brandon Knabe, Dustin Harrison, Tyler King and Gerry Gigliotti; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Anchorage on Sept. 13, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Alaska Native Lutheran Church.