In a heartfelt announcement on their website, the
Ontario Hockey League expressed sorrow over Giallonardo's passing at the young age of 39 after bravely
battling cancer. The league stated,
"The Ontario Hockey League is mourning the loss of an alumnus gone far too soon. Former Windsor Spitfires defenceman Paul Giallonardo passed on Sunday night following a battle with cancer. He was just 39 years old."