Anthony Girdano's Obituary
Anthony Girdano, born August 5, 1930, passed peacefully on January 31, 2022, at the age of 91. Born in Pittsburgh, PA., he resided there for 86 years before moving in with his daughter and family in Hudson, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Margaret Girdano, stepfather Francis Pitassi, daughter Donna Wyse, brother Robert, wife Dorina Girdano, sister Catherine (Trinky), and husband James Dumm, sister Margaret and husband Harry Hammill, and sister Dolores Miceli.
Tony is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Mary (nee Contillo); brother John Girdano (Virginia) of Tarentum, PA; sister Mary Benzinger (Robert) of Apollo, PA; daughter Chris Shehady of Pittsburgh, PA., son Anthony (Marcie) of Bethel Park, PA., daughter Diane Koutavas (Gerald) of Hudson, OH.; grandchildren Denelle Galis (Erik) of Cranberry Township, PA., Gregory Shehady of Pittsburgh, PA., Nickolas (Nicko) Koutavas of Mantua, OH., Giordana Koutavas of Hudson, OH., and Anthony Girdano of Allison Park, PA.; great-grandchildren Chase and Shane Galis; brother-in-law Charles Miceli, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Anthony was no ordinary man; he was a HERO to those that knew and loved him.
Never once did he waiver in facing adversity. He simply overcame every obstacle the way in which he went about his life. Quietly and with an infectious, positive attitude.
Tony loved his country. He enlisted in the military and fought in Korea. He was a corporal in the Army from 1948-1953, earning the Bronze Star, Korean Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Occupation Medal (Japan), and Army Good Conduct Medal.
To say he was a survivor was an understatement. He was a Prisoner Of War for over 2-1/2 years. Thousands of men in the prison camp with him lost their lives. Tony was one of only a couple hundred that made it out alive.
He endured an 18-hour “Whipple” operation and beat pancreatic cancer, living another 18-years after the surgery. He beat lung cancer on three separate occasions.
One could not be in the company of a happier, kinder, and more helpful man. As a medic in the war, he aided his fellow injured soldiers and earned a bronze star for his heroic efforts when his platoon was ambushed. As a son whose father died while Tony was a student, he quit school and went to work to help provide for his family. As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, father-in-law, and brother, he was always there to lend a hand. No ask was too big. No request for help was ever denied.
Tony had an incredible work ethic and could do just about anything. He was a plasterer, a cement finisher, a gunite specialist, and a contractor who installed in-ground pools.
He impacted his family and friends with his actions, not his words. Tony showed everyone how to be a good friend, be a good husband, and be a great dad.
Almost everyone that knew Tony had their name for him. He answered when he was called Hun, Babe, Cuda, Big Tony, Junior, Jock, Daddeo, Moose, Pops, Grandpa, and Dad. He simplified his response to anyone he knew or just met by calling everyone Babe. As in his standard greeting of ‘Hiya doin’ babe?’ (Never had to remember names, Brilliant!)
He was known to play the lottery a bit. He pulled a few slot-machine arms, too! He enjoyed his coin collection and reminiscing about our wonderful family reunions and ex-POW Korean conventions with his “buddies” and families that took place yearly across the country.
He loved football, especially the Steelers. One of his proudest moments was being introduced at Heinz Field before a Steelers game on Veterans Day as a representative of Korean War Vets.
Tony was just one of those guys you couldn’t help but like. He had the amazing ability to put a smile on your face. Tony made everyone he met feel special. He made everyone that knew him a better person, and one certainty for sure – his absence on earth will leave a large void in the hearts of those he touched.
The Funeral service will occur at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home located at 301Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, on February 16, 2022. Calling hours begin at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at which time the memorial prayer blessing and military service will start. Please honor Tony by wearing your favorite Steeler or Pittsburgh attire for those attending.
The family suggests that In Memoriam contributions be made to:
“The Tunnel to Towers Foundation,” Contact# 718.987.1931
2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY. 10306
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82873864362?pwd=WTFpNHdQMWluLzBuN2NMdk0rNEhUdz09
Passcode: 030402
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