Libero A. Giardi

GIARDI, Libero A. (Lee) Libero A. (Lee) Giardi, 91, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully on Monday (June 7, 2004). Born in Hartford to Paul and Pia (Agneloni) Giardi. He grew up in Hartford's Front Street neighborhood and attended Hartford Schools, graduating from Hartford Public in 1930. He went on to attend the University of Vermont and while there was college unlimited wrestling champion for three years running and captain of the football team during his senior year. He was an honors student and graduated in 1936, with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. In 1960 he was nominated by UVM for the Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary All-American Team and was inducted into the UVM Athletic Hall Of Fame in 1983. He married Virginia Ciapponi in 1948 and was a resident of West Hartford for over 50 years. In 1951, he founded Universal Design, Inc. and later its subsidiary Universal Staffing Services. He went on to establish himself as an expert in the field of manufacturing engineering and compound angle tool design. During the 1960's, he was a pioneer and innovator in the engineering and technical staffing industry. He remained active in both businesses for many years. Lee loved the game of golf and was a member of the Wethersfield Country Club for over 30 years. An avid walker, he enjoyed the beauty of the West Hartford Reservoir daily for many years. He is survived by his wife Virginia of West Hartford; a son James also of West Hartford; a daughter Linda Buron and her husband Everett of Phippsburg, ME, a daughter Barbara Giardi and her husband Norman Reuss of Williston, VT; and four grandsons, Everett and James Buron and Andrew and Henry Reuss. He is also survived by his brother, Henry "Hank" Giardi. He was predeceased by his brother, Leo P. Giardi, MD. Burial and Funeral Services will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be welcomed by either of the following organizations: The Hebrew Home and Hospital, c/o Development Office, 1 Abrahms Blvd., West Hartford, CT 06117 or Hospice and Palliative Care of CT, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford, has care of arrangements.