William M. Girardi Sr., 91
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — William M. "Shep" Girardi Sr., 91, of 281 Walnut St., died Monday, May 11, 2015, at Henry Haywood Hospital in Gardner.
Born in North Adams on Aug. 3, 1923, son of John L. and Catherine Leonesio Girardi, he attended local schools.
A Navy veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific on the USS Wayne, delivering Marines into battle during seven invasions.
Mr. Girardi was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in its North Adams office from 1957 until his retirement in 1985.
He was a communicant of the former St. Anthony of Padua Church, where he sang in the choir for many years. He was a member of Frank R. Stiles American Legion Post 125, Dr. George L. Curran Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 996, and the former Sons of Italy. He enjoyed music and was a member of the Berkshire Chorale and of The Aladdins, which entertained in many area venues and toured local nursing homes. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and softball, having once gotten a hit off the famed Eddie Feigner.
His wife, the former Rose E. Rogge, whom he married on Oct. 15, 1949, in St. Anthony's Church, died on Feb. 20, 2014.
He leaves a daughter, Kathleen Ascher of Bennington, Vt; three sons, John L. "Jack" Girardi of Readsboro, Vt., William M. Girardi Jr. of Sunderland and Robert Girardi of Arden, N.C.; a brother, Victor Girardi of Williamstown; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.
His siblings Angelina Morandi and Valentino Girardi are deceased.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mr. Girardi will be Friday, May 15, at 10:15 a.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Thursday, May 14, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Vermont Veterans Home.