Obituary of Louis T. Giardino

Louis Thomas Giardino On May 26, 2010, retired Rome Policeman, entrepreneur, devoted husband and father Louis Thomas Giardino passed away suddenly while vacationing with his eldest son. He recently lost his soul mate of 57 years, his wife Marie. Born June 18, 1929, and of hard times due to the Great Depression, he was 80 years old when he passed. Louis was the youngest of 8 brothers and sisters, Maggie Ciotti, Rose, Santo, Matilda, Margaret, Anthony, Vincent and Albert, of their parents, David and Josephine. Soft spoken, with a smile and laugh of an 8 year old, with the humor to match, Louis epitomized the true meaning of honor and devotion. In his final days of his life, he revealed that devotion and a belief in a divine plan by honoring his wife Marie by wanting to be reunited with her in heaven. Sadly, his devotion left behind three sons and a daughter-in-law, Louis Jr., Lawrence and LeRae, and Lenny, with a void that will never be replaced. Louis also left behind 8 grandchildren, Brandon Louis Giardino, Heather Marie Giardino, Aubrey Carletta and Briana Carletta, Sonita Giardino, Louis Thomas Giardino III, Caden Giardino, Caleb Giardino Also surviving are his brother, Albert Giardino; and numerous nieces and nephews, some he considered as a brother or sister. "What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God." Our father is close to God, because his accomplishments were many. He was a humble man. He served our country during the Berlin Airlift and finished his military career as the American military guard for the allied troops guarding Rudolph Hess in the famous Spandau prison. He returned to the states and served in the city of Rome as a police officer for 26 years. Our father often worked 2-3 jobs during our childhood to make sure our needs were met. During this time, he was a partner with Patsy and Grace Calandra along with his wife Marie, and owned Pat and Lou's Variety. This store brought many fond memories for many in the city of Rome. His hard work was a lesson learned from growing up in the Great Depression. He never wanted for himself, only for his children and grandchildren. Our father was a lifelong member of the Toccolana Club and shared many good times with his sons playing bocce. We drove him crazy, and he loved every minute of it. Our father found peace within himself. He was never an angry person and was very tolerant of others. No matter where his travels would take Lou and Marie, he always enjoyed the comfort from being with people from all walks of life. His tolerance taught us that we learn best not through the judgement of others, rather the experiences of friends and foes. It is best to be silent, than speak with a broken heart. He was truly a gentle man. Our father's gift to his 3 boys will always be the joy he had being with family and friends. We will always remember how our father laughed and smiled even during the most difficult times in his life. He knew life was a gift from the Lord that we should make the most while we are here. This is what we will miss most. Dad, you gave us so much and in return you only wanted your 3 boys to stick together. We will pops... we will. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church where friends are invited to attend. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m.