GIRARDI, Joseph
May 6, 1923 - January 9, 2013
Joseph Girardi of Drumheller, beloved husband of Maria, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2013 at the age of 89 years, with his family at his side. Joseph was born on May 6, 1923, in Orchenicho of Zoppola, Italy to Angelo and Maria Girardi. The eldest of two sons, Joe worked on the Family farm before the Second World War In 1948, he immigrated to Canada and worked in several coal mines in the Valley. On July 6, 1952, Joe married Maria Barbarin and raised 3 daughters in their 60 years together. After the mines closed, Joe began working in the concrete business and later started his own business, Drumheller Concrete Works. This was the beginning of many years of hard work and friendships in the Drumheller and surrounding areas. Joe retired in 1988. Never one to sit still, he always had a project on the go, whether it was fixing something in the house or a woodworking project. The grandchildren were the love of his life and he often made wooden toys or gadgets for them.
A farmer at heart, Joe loved yard work and gardening. He was especially devoted to his crop of tomatoes which he started from seed and nurtured until maturity. Proud of his flowers and fruit trees, he worked for hours tending to the yard. Joe also enjoyed winemaking which he loved to share with family and friends. An avid reader, Joe took an interest in politics. Later in life, even when his health would decline, one could always rouse him with a good political discussion. His children and grandchildren often enjoyed his general knowledge and stories which he loved to tell. Always happy to impart his knowledge and wisdom to his family, he balanced it with a good “sense” of humor. One of his fondest memories was all the friendships he made while being a member of the Enrico Caruso Italian Lodge. Joe was the last member of the Lodge. Joe and Maria would make their new home in the Sunshine Lodge in October 2010, the start of many more friendships. Never one to complain, even in illness, he carried on until the end with strength and courage.
Besides his loving wife Maria, Joseph is survived by his 3 daughters Rosemarie Girardi, Velma (Danny) Scott Angie (Murray) Evans. Grandchildren; Andy (Stephanie) Doktorchik, Marriann (C.J.) Hammond, Lisa (Ryan) Tait, Trevor Scott, Lindsay (Darcy) Scott, Christina Evans, Jordan Evans and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister-in-law Lucia Girardi and three nephews: Valerio, Eddie and Angelo Girardi and families of Toronto, Ontario. Joseph was predeceased by his parents Angelo and Maria and brother Rudy Girardi. Prayers were held at 7:00 P.M., on Monday, January 14, 2013, at Courtney-Winters Funeral Home, Drumheller, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Drumheller, Alberta, with Father Mario Basque officiating. Lunch was served immediately after the service, in the basement of the Royal Canadian Legion, Drumheller, Alberta. Donations may be made in honour of Joseph to Canadian Cancer Society Alberta/ NWT Division 200-325 Manning RD NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 9Z9 or Sunshine Lodge 698-6 Avenue East Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y5.
