John Giordano, 94, of Marlboro died at his home on Thursday March 26th. He was born in the small town of Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily. His family owned vineyards and olive groves. As a young man he helped oversee these properties. He also apprenticed to become a tailor which became his life long career. He …
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John Giordano, 94, of Marlboro died at his home on Thursday March 26th.
He was born in the small town of Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily. His family owned vineyards and olive groves. As a young man he helped oversee these properties. He also apprenticed to become a tailor which became his life long career.
He met his wife Domenica in New York City shortly after they both immigrated from Italy. They married in 1954 on the Feast of The Guardian Angel. They lived for a short time on the Lower East Side of Manhattan before they married and then moved to Brooklyn where they started a family.
John started his career at a small company that he formed producing men’s coats for department stores. Soon after, he worked as a head tailor for a company that produced clothing for nuns. He also worked briefly making men’s clothing for Bill Blass. Eighteen years later, he purchased a dry-cleaner and built it into a successful family business.
John had an abundant love for family and friends. He enjoyed spending countless hours in the company of his family throughout his life. He had a love for gardening and growing all sorts vegetables and fruits in their backyard. The family loved to spend time together in Lake George, NY.
John always had fond memories of his youth growing up in Sicily and spent countless hours telling stories of his adventures from his beloved home country. In 1983 he and his wife returned to their homeland for the first time after leaving 30 years before, and then returned for several subsequent visits.
Surviving him are his beloved wife, Domenica; his loving children, son Gaspar Giordano and his wife Christina, Wall; his son Joseph Giordano and his wife Marian Giordano, Freehold; his daughter Maria Giordano, Holmdel. His loving grandchildren, Emma, Jenna, Gabrielle, Claire, Isabel, Dominique, and her fiancé Peter, John, Giacomo, John and Joseph.
In consideration of the current health crisis, John’s family will have a private funeral service and internment at Holmdel Mausoleum. Please consider a message of condolence to the family by visiting John’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to VNA health group in Holmdel for nursing education at https://vnahg.org/.
Maria and Grace Matera
left a message on April 5, 2020:
Uncle John was a great man. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you our condolences. We love you guys.
Tito Bastianelli Sr
left a message on April 3, 2020:
Condolences per la tua famiglia e a Dio John.
Anthony & Halley Pasanello
left a message on March 30, 2020:
Dear Gaspar and Christina,
Sorry to hear of your father's passing, though I never met him, he must have been a wonderful man, because he raised a Son of such fine charactor. May God bless and keep you and your family at this time.
Giacomo Curreri
left a message on March 29, 2020:
Born in the beautiful town of Castellammare del Golfo, immigrated to this country in 1947 to escape the fascist Italia after World War II with nothing but hope to fulfill his American Dream. Worked as a tailor and owned a dry cleaners for 35 years in Brooklyn. A man who worked so hard to support his family in the toughest times, loved and always thought about his grandchildren first. Always told me be smart, be a man, and do good in school. Shared his experiences in Sicilia as a young boy in the vineyards. He was one hell of a bocce player for his old age. Life will be very different without you. You have taught me so much about life and made me the man I am today. Thank you for 22 years of pure happiness. I will miss you deeply Grandpa. Rest In Glory. Ti amo e non ti dimenticherò mai
Pam Victor and Sophia Salvador
left a message on March 29, 2020:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of such a special man. We feel lucky to have met him and spend time in his company. He was a great man and had a full long life with his blessed family.
Love, The Salvador family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
FRAN LAWSON
left a message on March 28, 2020:
DEAR MARIA, MARION, JOE AND GIORDANO FAMILY,
I AM so sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you love and hugs.
Emily Nargi
left a message on March 28, 2020:
A candle was lit by Emily Nargi on 2020/03/28
Sofia Esposito
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Maria, Giacomo, John, Joseph and family:
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your mom and family at this time. Your dad was a lovely man- always smiling. May you be comforted by your memories and he will live and watch over you and the boys forever.
All our love- Sofia, John and boys
Agostino Cracchiolo
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Da tutta la famiglia Cracchiolo un abbraccio a Mimma, Gaspare, Maria, Jovi per la perdita dl nostro amato Giovanni.
Maria Midolo
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Mr. G as I knew him, will never be forgotten!!! I will never forget the good times spent on Avenue W in Brooklyn with him and the Giordano family. He always made me feel welcome and always had a funny thing to say to make me laugh! Maria, you will always be the closest friend I had growing up and I am truly sorry for the loss of your father, a perfect example of a Good Hardworking respectable man! and your Mom is simply an angel! Please tell her how sorry I am for her loss!
Lisa & John Polivka
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Maria, our deepest condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Love, Lisa, John, Kyle and Colin Polivka
Gaspar Giordano
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Today we gather to memorialize our beloved John. He was a man that grew up in a small town in Sicily. His life was marked with challenges and upheaval throughout but through his faith and hard work his always found a way to rise above his hardships. He loved to tell us of those challenges and through those stories he taught all of us about life. It was his way, the way of his culture to talk about meaning through life experiences and in doing so extract the wisdom that we could interpret from them. We all know those stories so well because he told them to all of us over and over again. For me and my family, it started when I was a young boy, Dad would love to sit outside whenever the weather permitted. He would sit for hours even when it became dark. Sit tired from a hard day at work or on the weekend. He would think and share his thoughts with us, about his life and his challenges. When I think back at Dad’s life, he has taught me, he has taught us, that what we have here and now is just an infinitely small moment in time, almost nothing. But it is in the summation of all things that he has done that the worth of his life is measured. Here are a few of the lessons and life experiences that he spoke to me about and to all of you as well:
1- About the deaths of his siblings and other family and friends from disease and hunger when he was a young boy
2- The time a neighbor tried to steal the family olives that they grew on their land and how he caught this thief and scared him off.
3- The wonderful times he shared as a youth with his cousins and brothers, and all his family, growing up in the mountains of Sicily.
4- The story about how he decided to become a tailor at a very young age and how he always wished he would have finished his education, but the family’s efforts all had to be directed to earning in order to survive.
5- About his father and eldest brother coming to America to earn enough to support the family back home.
6- About the poverty resulting from WW 2 in Sicily and his families struggles to survive.
7- How he and his family were able to leave all their possessions in their beloved homeland and immigrate to a new country.
8- When coming to America that even though he did not speak the language he was able to find work and thrive
9- When he met his wife from the same small town that he came from in Sicily, in NYC the largest city of the world.
10- How with the support of family and his persistence in working hard he was able to rise up in life by scrimping and saving.
11- His ability to raise a family and grow his career, buy a home and then finally buy his own business, his life-long dream.
12- By raising himself up no matter what pitfalls he had to overcome throughout his life.
13- How he worked tirelessly to support his family and provide a better life for his wife and children. Making sure they were each well feed, well sheltered and well educated in a catholic tradition.
14- How he shared his good fortune with family whenever he could by helping them find work or helping them overcome hardships.
15- By always opening his home to family and friends near and far sharing the abundance that he was given.
16- His tireless struggle for excellence in himself and in his family.
17- His steadfast knowledge of the truth and his never-ending adherence to live his life by that truth, and insisting in that truth for his family
18- Through the marriage of his children and the bounty of his beloved grandchildren.
19- By helping his children to succeed in business and in their struggles no matter what they might be.
20- In his steadfast faith in God and Jesus Christ which grew and blossomed throughout his life.
21- For his persistence and perseverance for life and all that life had to offer every day of his existence until his very last breath. He never gave up.
When I think back at his life, I am truly humbled by all he was able to overcome and all that he was able to achieve. His life was one that was truly meaningful in all that he touched and in all that knew him. We are all blessed to have known and shared with John. He is an inspiration to all of us in so many ways. Let us always remember him with fondness and happiness until we all come to know him again in the next life.
We put this reading from Saint Paul to Timothy on his prayer card. I think it really sums up Dad’s life:
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
Finally: Saint Luke 8:15
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Let all who are gathered here today celebrate John’s life and remember all the love he shared with us. It’s through this remembering that we should go forth and share with others just like he so excellently shared with us all.
Wuestneck
left a message on March 28, 2020:
We are so sorry for your loss.. We are sorry we can’t be with you & your family at this time.. Love always The Wuestneck Family
The Cannizzo Family
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Our deepest condolences to the Giordano family on the loss of your dad, grandfather, husband, uncle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you struggle with this sad, difficult time. Praying that the love and great memories you shared will help you get through this. May you rest in peace, Mr. Giordano.
Andrew Camarda
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Mimma, Gaspar, Joseph, Maria and Family,
I have many loving memories of John. He was a hard working man, he was smart and he strived to grow as a person. He had much to be proud of. Kay and I will miss him and are sorry we could not be there to support you in this time of grief.
Love,
Andrew and Kay
Lisa Cronin
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss and wish we could be there in person to give you a hug and support. Love, Lisa, John, Samantha and Hunter
Nicole Hendrickson
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Maria, Giacomo, John, Joseph and family - sending you our heartfelt condolences. May you keep the great memories of your Dad and Grandfather, alive in your hearts.
We love you
The Hendrickson Family
The Hendrickson Family
Emily Nargi
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Maria, Giacomo, John, Joseph and family,
My heartfelt deepest sympathy to you, your Mom, your brothers and your entire family during this difficult time. The video tribute on the site is so beautiful. Such precious, loving memories and pictures. May God Bless you all. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Emily Nargi
Anne Marie Keenan
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Anne Marie Keenan on 2020/03/27
Susan Ust
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Susan Ust on 2020/03/27
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mark and Jenny George
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Mark and Jenny George on 2020/03/27
Jennie Lutze
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Jennie Lutze on 2020/03/27
karen koense
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by karen koense on 2020/03/27
The Blauvelt’s
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Dear Giordano Family,
Our sincere condolences for the loss of a great man. We will always remember John as warm and embracing at family gatherings. John left a beautiful legacy and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Domenica and the rest of the family.
Love,
Andrea, Jonathon, and Valentina
Chelsea Kelleher
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Dear Maria and Giordano Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. I pray for your comfort and peace. It seems like he lived a wonderful life and the tribute is beautiful. May God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Kelleher
Jennie Lutze
left a message on March 27, 2020:
What a wonderful life your father had, a beautiful memorial to him.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
Margaret Rumsey
left a message on March 27, 2020:
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad and his family. So very sorry for your loss.
Suzanne Blauvelt
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Dear Gaspar, Christina, and family,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
With sympathy,
Suzanne
Anne Marie Keenan
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Prayers to you and your family Maria. Deepest sympathies.
Susan Ust
left a message on March 27, 2020:
What a beautiful tribute Maria. He led a long & wonderful life. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Buzeta Family
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Our deepest condolences to the Giordano Family. May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Sending you our love and prayers.
Kathi Boldt-Haberek RN
left a message on March 27, 2020:
I am so sorry for your loss Maria and family.A truly beautiful obituary memorializing a life well lived and loved, God Bless you all.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Maria and Grace Matera
left a message on April 5, 2020:
Uncle John was a great man. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you our condolences. We love you guys.
Tito Bastianelli Sr
left a message on April 3, 2020:
Condolences per la tua famiglia e a Dio John.
Anthony & Halley Pasanello
left a message on March 30, 2020:
Dear Gaspar and Christina,
Sorry to hear of your father's passing, though I never met him, he must have been a wonderful man, because he raised a Son of such fine charactor. May God bless and keep you and your family at this time.
Giacomo Curreri
left a message on March 29, 2020:
Born in the beautiful town of Castellammare del Golfo, immigrated to this country in 1947 to escape the fascist Italia after World War II with nothing but hope to fulfill his American Dream. Worked as a tailor and owned a dry cleaners for 35 years in Brooklyn. A man who worked so hard to support his family in the toughest times, loved and always thought about his grandchildren first. Always told me be smart, be a man, and do good in school. Shared his experiences in Sicilia as a young boy in the vineyards. He was one hell of a bocce player for his old age. Life will be very different without you. You have taught me so much about life and made me the man I am today. Thank you for 22 years of pure happiness. I will miss you deeply Grandpa. Rest In Glory. Ti amo e non ti dimenticherò mai
Pam Victor and Sophia Salvador
left a message on March 29, 2020:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of such a special man. We feel lucky to have met him and spend time in his company. He was a great man and had a full long life with his blessed family.
Love, The Salvador family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
FRAN LAWSON
left a message on March 28, 2020:
DEAR MARIA, MARION, JOE AND GIORDANO FAMILY,
I AM so sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you love and hugs.
Emily Nargi
left a message on March 28, 2020:
A candle was lit by Emily Nargi on 2020/03/28
Sofia Esposito
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Maria, Giacomo, John, Joseph and family:
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your mom and family at this time. Your dad was a lovely man- always smiling. May you be comforted by your memories and he will live and watch over you and the boys forever.
All our love- Sofia, John and boys
Agostino Cracchiolo
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Da tutta la famiglia Cracchiolo un abbraccio a Mimma, Gaspare, Maria, Jovi per la perdita dl nostro amato Giovanni.
Maria Midolo
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Mr. G as I knew him, will never be forgotten!!! I will never forget the good times spent on Avenue W in Brooklyn with him and the Giordano family. He always made me feel welcome and always had a funny thing to say to make me laugh! Maria, you will always be the closest friend I had growing up and I am truly sorry for the loss of your father, a perfect example of a Good Hardworking respectable man! and your Mom is simply an angel! Please tell her how sorry I am for her loss!
Lisa & John Polivka
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Maria, our deepest condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Love, Lisa, John, Kyle and Colin Polivka
Gaspar Giordano
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Today we gather to memorialize our beloved John. He was a man that grew up in a small town in Sicily. His life was marked with challenges and upheaval throughout but through his faith and hard work his always found a way to rise above his hardships. He loved to tell us of those challenges and through those stories he taught all of us about life. It was his way, the way of his culture to talk about meaning through life experiences and in doing so extract the wisdom that we could interpret from them. We all know those stories so well because he told them to all of us over and over again. For me and my family, it started when I was a young boy, Dad would love to sit outside whenever the weather permitted. He would sit for hours even when it became dark. Sit tired from a hard day at work or on the weekend. He would think and share his thoughts with us, about his life and his challenges. When I think back at Dad’s life, he has taught me, he has taught us, that what we have here and now is just an infinitely small moment in time, almost nothing. But it is in the summation of all things that he has done that the worth of his life is measured. Here are a few of the lessons and life experiences that he spoke to me about and to all of you as well:
1- About the deaths of his siblings and other family and friends from disease and hunger when he was a young boy
2- The time a neighbor tried to steal the family olives that they grew on their land and how he caught this thief and scared him off.
3- The wonderful times he shared as a youth with his cousins and brothers, and all his family, growing up in the mountains of Sicily.
4- The story about how he decided to become a tailor at a very young age and how he always wished he would have finished his education, but the family’s efforts all had to be directed to earning in order to survive.
5- About his father and eldest brother coming to America to earn enough to support the family back home.
6- About the poverty resulting from WW 2 in Sicily and his families struggles to survive.
7- How he and his family were able to leave all their possessions in their beloved homeland and immigrate to a new country.
8- When coming to America that even though he did not speak the language he was able to find work and thrive
9- When he met his wife from the same small town that he came from in Sicily, in NYC the largest city of the world.
10- How with the support of family and his persistence in working hard he was able to rise up in life by scrimping and saving.
11- His ability to raise a family and grow his career, buy a home and then finally buy his own business, his life-long dream.
12- By raising himself up no matter what pitfalls he had to overcome throughout his life.
13- How he worked tirelessly to support his family and provide a better life for his wife and children. Making sure they were each well feed, well sheltered and well educated in a catholic tradition.
14- How he shared his good fortune with family whenever he could by helping them find work or helping them overcome hardships.
15- By always opening his home to family and friends near and far sharing the abundance that he was given.
16- His tireless struggle for excellence in himself and in his family.
17- His steadfast knowledge of the truth and his never-ending adherence to live his life by that truth, and insisting in that truth for his family
18- Through the marriage of his children and the bounty of his beloved grandchildren.
19- By helping his children to succeed in business and in their struggles no matter what they might be.
20- In his steadfast faith in God and Jesus Christ which grew and blossomed throughout his life.
21- For his persistence and perseverance for life and all that life had to offer every day of his existence until his very last breath. He never gave up.
When I think back at his life, I am truly humbled by all he was able to overcome and all that he was able to achieve. His life was one that was truly meaningful in all that he touched and in all that knew him. We are all blessed to have known and shared with John. He is an inspiration to all of us in so many ways. Let us always remember him with fondness and happiness until we all come to know him again in the next life.
We put this reading from Saint Paul to Timothy on his prayer card. I think it really sums up Dad’s life:
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
Finally: Saint Luke 8:15
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Let all who are gathered here today celebrate John’s life and remember all the love he shared with us. It’s through this remembering that we should go forth and share with others just like he so excellently shared with us all.
Wuestneck
left a message on March 28, 2020:
We are so sorry for your loss.. We are sorry we can’t be with you & your family at this time.. Love always The Wuestneck Family
The Cannizzo Family
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Our deepest condolences to the Giordano family on the loss of your dad, grandfather, husband, uncle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you struggle with this sad, difficult time. Praying that the love and great memories you shared will help you get through this. May you rest in peace, Mr. Giordano.
Andrew Camarda
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Mimma, Gaspar, Joseph, Maria and Family,
I have many loving memories of John. He was a hard working man, he was smart and he strived to grow as a person. He had much to be proud of. Kay and I will miss him and are sorry we could not be there to support you in this time of grief.
Love,
Andrew and Kay
Lisa Cronin
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss and wish we could be there in person to give you a hug and support. Love, Lisa, John, Samantha and Hunter
Nicole Hendrickson
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Maria, Giacomo, John, Joseph and family - sending you our heartfelt condolences. May you keep the great memories of your Dad and Grandfather, alive in your hearts.
We love you
The Hendrickson Family
The Hendrickson Family
Emily Nargi
left a message on March 28, 2020:
Dear Maria, Giacomo, John, Joseph and family,
My heartfelt deepest sympathy to you, your Mom, your brothers and your entire family during this difficult time. The video tribute on the site is so beautiful. Such precious, loving memories and pictures. May God Bless you all. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Emily Nargi
Anne Marie Keenan
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Anne Marie Keenan on 2020/03/27
Susan Ust
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Susan Ust on 2020/03/27
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mark and Jenny George
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Mark and Jenny George on 2020/03/27
Jennie Lutze
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by Jennie Lutze on 2020/03/27
karen koense
left a message on March 27, 2020:
A candle was lit by karen koense on 2020/03/27
The Blauvelt’s
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Dear Giordano Family,
Our sincere condolences for the loss of a great man. We will always remember John as warm and embracing at family gatherings. John left a beautiful legacy and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Domenica and the rest of the family.
Love,
Andrea, Jonathon, and Valentina
Chelsea Kelleher
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Dear Maria and Giordano Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. I pray for your comfort and peace. It seems like he lived a wonderful life and the tribute is beautiful. May God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Kelleher
Jennie Lutze
left a message on March 27, 2020:
What a wonderful life your father had, a beautiful memorial to him.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
Margaret Rumsey
left a message on March 27, 2020:
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad and his family. So very sorry for your loss.
Suzanne Blauvelt
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Dear Gaspar, Christina, and family,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
With sympathy,
Suzanne
Anne Marie Keenan
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Prayers to you and your family Maria. Deepest sympathies.
Susan Ust
left a message on March 27, 2020:
What a beautiful tribute Maria. He led a long & wonderful life. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Buzeta Family
left a message on March 27, 2020:
Our deepest condolences to the Giordano Family. May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Sending you our love and prayers.
Kathi Boldt-Haberek RN
left a message on March 27, 2020:
I am so sorry for your loss Maria and family.A truly beautiful obituary memorializing a life well lived and loved, God Bless you all.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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