William J. Girardi, 89, of Katonah, New York died on June 21, 2011 at his son's home in Poughquag, New York after a long illness.
Bill was born on January 5, 1922 in New Rochelle, New York to Madeline and Joseph I. Girardi. He graduated from New Rochelle High School and attended Cornell University before entering the Army. He served in the Tenth Mountain Division Ski Troops, 86th Mountain Infantry from 1943 to 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in the Apennine Mountains in the Po Valley, Italy. He was married to Patricia Sears on July 13, 1946.
He and his brother, Joe, operated New Rochelle Construction Company. Later he was the president of Tyson Concrete Corporation in Beekman, New York.
He enjoyed horseback riding, oil painting, figure skating, deep sea fishing and was an avid sailor. As a nature enthusiast he attracted a variety of wildlife including birds, ducks and deer to the extensive backyard of his Katonah home.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia Sears Girardi and his brother, Joseph I. Girardi.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy J. Murphy of Pawling, New York and his three sons, Grad of Hilton Head, South Carolina, John of Poughquag, New York and Jay of Mahopac, New York as well as 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice, Inc. or The World Wildlife Fund.