Obituary for Francis Aurelio "Hersh" Giardina
Francis "Hersh" Aurelio Giardina, 95 of Pittsfield, MA passed away Monday June 6, 2022, in the care and love of his family.
He was born in Pittsfield, on February 17, 1932, to Matteo and Anna (Giovesanto) Giardina. He attended local schools, and graduated from Pittsfield High School with the class of 1950.
Fran was a veteran of the Korean War and served with the US Army in Korea in the Third Armored Division (SPEARHEAD). He saw brief action before being wounded by shrapnel from a mortar round. For this he was awarded the Purple Heart. He worked 25 years as a mailman with a 10 year intermission as a clothing salesman at Anderson Little. He was a pool shark in his day, played softball, and was an avid golfer. Over the years he learned carpentry and renovated every house he owned.
Fran was a former member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Faith and church were important in his life. He was also a member of the Italian American Club: the Sons of Italy; VFW Post #448 and the Contino Post #75 Italian American War Veterans. Fran enjoyed traveling, dancing, golfing and playing bocce. He was also a frequent guest at the Monday night pitch league at DelGallo's and a fixture at the Eastside Cafe. He was an enthusiastic fan of the New York Giants and New York Yankees.
He was predeceased by his wife Joan Marie (Evans) Giardina, who died on Jan. 8, 2019. They were married on August 9, 1958. For 60 years Fran was a devoted husband who supported his wife in her business and artistic endeavors.
Survivors include three sons - Christopher E. of Salem, SC; Francis A. of Mission, TX; and Michael J. of Pittsfield; He also leaves six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers - Joseph Giardina, Enrico Giardina and Arthur Giardina who died in infancy.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Francis Giardina will be celebrated Monday June 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church by the Rev. Steven A. Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. Memorial contributions may be made Soldier On in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhoms.com.
He was born in Pittsfield, on February 17, 1932, to Matteo and Anna (Giovesanto) Giardina. He attended local schools, and graduated from Pittsfield High School with the class of 1950.
Fran was a veteran of the Korean War and served with the US Army in Korea in the Third Armored Division (SPEARHEAD). He saw brief action before being wounded by shrapnel from a mortar round. For this he was awarded the Purple Heart. He worked 25 years as a mailman with a 10 year intermission as a clothing salesman at Anderson Little. He was a pool shark in his day, played softball, and was an avid golfer. Over the years he learned carpentry and renovated every house he owned.
Fran was a former member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Faith and church were important in his life. He was also a member of the Italian American Club: the Sons of Italy; VFW Post #448 and the Contino Post #75 Italian American War Veterans. Fran enjoyed traveling, dancing, golfing and playing bocce. He was also a frequent guest at the Monday night pitch league at DelGallo's and a fixture at the Eastside Cafe. He was an enthusiastic fan of the New York Giants and New York Yankees.
He was predeceased by his wife Joan Marie (Evans) Giardina, who died on Jan. 8, 2019. They were married on August 9, 1958. For 60 years Fran was a devoted husband who supported his wife in her business and artistic endeavors.
Survivors include three sons - Christopher E. of Salem, SC; Francis A. of Mission, TX; and Michael J. of Pittsfield; He also leaves six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers - Joseph Giardina, Enrico Giardina and Arthur Giardina who died in infancy.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Francis Giardina will be celebrated Monday June 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church by the Rev. Steven A. Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. Memorial contributions may be made Soldier On in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhoms.com.