Mary Girdano's Obituary
Mary Natale Girdano, currently of Hudson, OH., passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025 at the age of 96.
The daughter of Pasquale Contillo and Christine (Lauria) Contillo, Mary was a Christmas baby born on December 25, 1928. Mary always felt special sharing her birthday with Jesus. Mary was a woman of great faith and was a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, PA. until she and her husband Tony moved to Ohio in 2017 to live with their daughter Diane and her family. Mary loved spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. She was always kind and especially appreciative of everyone who helped her in her later years. She truly was a pleasure to be around. Mary had a positive attitude and cheerful outlook. Never shy to share her opinion, she was an entertaining conversationalist and a great listener. Mary could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and talk for hours. She was a true lover of people and was always willing to help anyone she met. Although she spent her later years in Ohio, she was a true Pittsburgher. She loved the local sports teams, the hills, the casinos, and even the weather. Pittsburgh was the best city in the world to her. Her casino trips were always memorable because of the stories that resulted. One day she fell off the stool and her hand never left the spin button. Mary enjoyed music, dancing, and was an incredible cook. Whether it was everyday dinners, homemade pasta and pizza, or classic Italian cookies, not many did it better. Her specialty was meatballs. Simply the best. If you ever had one, you understand. Mary married Anthony Girdano (predeceased) on September 3, 1955, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was married to "Tony" for 65 years. Mary wrote letters to Tony while he was in a prison camp during the Korean War. Tony always said he was going to marry her one day. They were meant to be together. Mary worked at Fashion Hosiery in retail and at the Rack of Lamb restaurant as, what else, a cook.
Mary had 4 children, daughters, Christine Shehady of Pittsburgh, PA., Donna Wyse (predeceased), son, Anthony Girdano (Marcie) of Canonsburg, PA., and daughter Diane Koutavas (Gerald) of Hudson, OH. She also had 5 grandchildren; Denelle (Erik) of Cranberry Twp. PA., Gregory Shehady of Pittsburgh, PA., Nickolas "Nicko" Koutavas of Mantua, OH., Giordana Koutavas of Hudson, OH., and Anthony Girdano of Allison Park, PA. 2 great-grandchildren; Chase Galis (Evan Sands) of Zurich, Switzerland, and Shane Galis of Cranberry Twp. PA. In addition, Mary had 6 predeceased siblings, Michael Contillo, Adeline Amen, Lawrence Contillo, Anne Miller, Pasquale (Patsy) Contillo, Fiore Contillo, Nephew Anthony (Diane) Amen of Pittsburgh, PA., and many great nieces and nephews.
Mary always finished her conversation with a family member by saying "I love you more." And while you would agree with her at the time, everyone knew we all loved her more!
Visitation and funeral services will be held Saturday, July 26 from 10am-2pm at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, 301 Curry Hollow Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236 followed by a Mercy Meal at South Hills Country Club. Please wear your favorite Pittsburgh attire in honor of Mary.
Memorial donations in Mary's memory may be made to: Allergies Shaped My Life Foundation www.allergiesshapedmylife.org
P.O. Box 226 Hudson, OH 44236
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