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2nd Lt. Michael Robert Girdano
2nd Lt. Michael Robert Girdano
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Michael Girdano Obituary
Age 23, of Kiski Township, Armstrong County, was killed in action in Chowkay Valley, Province of Konar, Afganistan on Friday, August 1, 2008. He was born February 28, 1985 in Pittsburgh, son of Robert and Cynthia (Ferkatch) Girdano. Michael was a graduate of Apollo-Ridge High School in 2003, where he was Captain of the Football Team and 2nd baseman for the baseball team, he was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in many school activities such as German Club, Ski Club and Quiz Bowl. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was nominated to West Point Academy by Congressman John Murtha of Johnstown, PA , where he graduated in the class of 2007. He is survived by his parents, brother Nunzio A. Girdano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; sister, Tina A. Girdano of McConnell A.F.B., Kansas; grandparents, Michael & Mary Ferketch and Robert R. & Donna Girdano, all of Penn Hills, PA. Visitation is Monday, August 11, 2008 from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm at the CURRAN - SHAFFER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., 100 Owens View Avenue, Apollo, 15613. Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Apollo, PA on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 10:00 am with Father John T. Sweeney, Celebrant. EVERYONE IS TO MEET AT THE CHURCH TUESDAY MORNING. Burial will be in Plum Creek Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852 or www.givedirect.org in 2nd Lt. Michael Robert Girdano's name. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit:
www.curranfuneralhome.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
44 Entries
Camp "Same Old Story"
Gil Patterson
November 27, 2015
Charlie Gili
April 3, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Girdano Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
April 1, 2013
Forever remembered.We will always be grateful for his selfless service and sacrifice.
April 25, 2012
So very sorry! Rob Jackson's aunt, Barbara Jo Stanely (Conway, SC)
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Lynne Neibert
April 16, 2012
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
September 11, 2011
Miss you Mike <3
Peggy Childers
August 2, 2011
To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Michael R. Girdano:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
May 5, 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of Michael. Chris Squassi NYC NY
Peggy Childers
August 3, 2010
To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Michael R. Girdano:
Remembering Michael on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
February 3, 2010
Remembering you.
November 18, 2009
thought about and missed today and every day. rest in peace........so sorry.
Lisa
November 7, 2009
We are so sorry for the loss of this great hero and leader. He will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
August 2, 2009
To the family of 2nd Lt. Michael R. Girdano:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Mernice Miller
April 6, 2009
Please know that GOD is still on the Throne. He sits high and looks low. There are no words that could ever errase the pain that your families are feeling. Just know that these three fine angels are only gone from our sight not from our hearts or minds. Along with our city's Mayor Luke Ravenstahl Chief of police Nate Harper, and the entire Law Enforcement family we as citizens must continue to do our part to ensure that this type of trgedy never happens again. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We all feel a sense of loss. As a business owner and community member I emplore everyone to get involved, protect one another. The greatest love is for GOD the second is for each other.
Sincerely,
Billy's Gold Door Inc. Family
sheila
January 18, 2009
G-d rest your sweet soul. I am so saddened to learn of this loss. Your photo shows such a beautiful, focused and gentle man. May you rest in peace.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
January 8, 2009
My heartfelt sympathy to the Girdano family and friends in the loss of Michael. I did not know Michael, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 52 years) but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Michael you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS
OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND
IS NEVER TO DIE"
~Robert Orr~
Kenna Larra
December 23, 2008
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
We love our Soldiers! This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, God Bless You and we hope that your portrait is bringing you some peace!
Sincerely,
Kenna
In Memory of Michael ~ (Debra Estep)
November 24, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Michael, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Jack Chapman
November 20, 2008
Our prayers are with your family. My son is part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st ID from Fort Hood in Afghanistan. We thank God for your son and pray that God will provide you peace and comfort during this time.
Stephanie Rafoss
September 6, 2008
Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Janice Oswald
August 24, 2008
To the family and friends of fallen hero 2LT Girdano....I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will not be forgotten. God Bless You.
Debbi
August 20, 2008
To the family and parents of Michael I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you
goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com
In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR
Vicki Melia
August 19, 2008
Love to a Fallen family,
I am so sorry to hear about another fallen Hero! I know there are no words that I can say to ease your pain! The loss of a child, husband or brother at such a young age is something that is the most difficult thing to bare! I wish there were something I could say that would ease your pain! We can only pray that one day we will be together again. I was told that if you stretch a piece of string a mile long and line that string with beads, the beads would resemble eternity. Life here on earth is equal to “only one bead”. We have only a short time here compared to the time we will spend in eternity with our loved ones. The only thing I can say is let faith keep you grounded in your life and hold on to your loved ones! This will help you through! It is what helps me get through my days. My son, Anthony entered into the Heavens to be with our Lord in 2007. We can never understand the reasons why our loved ones would ever be taken from us. I pray that one day our pain will ease!
God Bless Your Family!
In Loving Memory of
Lcpl. Anthony C. Melia
USMC~ 2/4 Fox Company, 3rd Plt
Camp Pendleton, CA
Ar Ramadi , Iraq
1/27/2007
"SEMPER FI"
S.L.
August 18, 2008
Such a loss. I am so sorry that this incredibly gifted and focused man was taken. I know he will be missed b y so many. My deepest sympathy to his family- I know there are no words I can offer, but please know I will have you in my heart.
Michael, rest in peace.
RIP PFC Aaron J. Ward 4/28/89 - 5/6/08 KIA
Michael Girdano
August 16, 2008
Michael, God bless you soldier and thank you for your brave and honorable service to a grateful nation and for paying the ultimate price for our freedom.. You are now in great company with God and so many other fallen hero's before and after you. On 5/6/08 my nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward was killed in action in Iraq and my final promise to him was to never forget him and our fallen hero’s, we will never forget their commitment and sacrifice. To the Girdano family, words cannot express the pain we now share, but our families will forever have a bond and we will be thinking of Michael and your family and will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. Please accept my heart felt condolences and my prayer that god help you cope with this tragic loss and may the memories of your HERO carry you through each day. From one Gold Star family to another!
Gary Allain
August 14, 2008
2nd Lt. Michael r. girdano
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Suzanne MacDaniel
August 14, 2008
To the Girdano family,
I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Michaels' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.
...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.
But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04
kathi poppert
August 13, 2008
Michael, Thank you for the brave sacrifice you made for my freedom. rest assure you will never be forgotten. to Michael's family, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. more then an American Hero he was your son. may God bless you all in the days ahead. we dont know eachother but now are forever joined as my nephew PFC Aaron J Ward at age 19 while serving in Iraq on may 6 2008 was also added to the long list of American Hero's who made the ultimate sacrifice for America's continued freedom. May God bless us all and protect the so many other soldiers still fighting.. rest in peace Michael, America love's you.......
Proud Army aunt of PFC Aaron J Ward, 170th military police, Fort Lewis WA. forever a dragonslayer/
Christine Dooley
August 12, 2008
My heart goes out to the Girdano Family. My husband (his name was Micheal, 23yrs old also) was killed in Iraq 5 years ago, this really touches home for my family and I. I didn't know your Michael but I wanted to pay my respect and show support to his family/friends. I attended the memorial at the football stadium, went to the funeral home yesterday and just got home from the funeral today. I can't say enough for this family, they are a wonderful, respectful family. I wish they didn't have to go through this. I will pray for everyone who knew and love Michael. He is a HERO. He will always be in your hearts and will watch over you. Without people like him, we could not have our freedom. Thank You Michael, you are truely a HERO. Thank You to the Girdano family for your sacrifice. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am sure we will be seeing each other soon! This isn't how we should have met but we will stay together and support you in your time of need! God bless you all!
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
August 12, 2008
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to 2Lt. Michael R. Girdano our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Michael. And to Michael it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made in combat while serving the U.S. Army and his country. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Michael, you are a brave Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. You upheld the code “DUTY-HONOR-COUNTRY” We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,409 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Michael’s family and loved ones.
Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
Sandy Bonesteel
August 12, 2008
My condolences to the family of 2nd Lt. Michael R. Girdano. I know there aren't any words that can go as deep as the grief they feel; but I pray they will know that there are many, many people who are grieving with them. Many, many people who care very deeply about them and about 2nd Lt. Michael R. Girdano.
Shelley H - Blue Star Mom
August 12, 2008
From our military family to yours, we would like to thank 2nd LT Michael Girdano for his service and sacrifice to this grateful country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Valorie
August 11, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
Gale Poindexter
August 11, 2008
I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO 2nd Lt Michael R Girdano. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4
Sarah Elix (wife of SGT Elix)
August 11, 2008
I never knew michael but as i sat on friday listening to his bestfriend talk about what an amazing person he was and how much he wanted to fight for his country i couldnt help but feel that i knew him. Michael was a valliant leader and i know that the 3 other men in his vehicle trusted him and looked up to him. he will forever be a part of our hearts and our lives here at 3-1 STB alpha co.
I hope that knowing his fight is now over is a comfort to you and knowing that those who served with him trusted him and knew he would give his life for them makes you more proud of the things hes done in his short life.
RIP Michael you be sure to keep badie and mulivihill under control we all know they can be rowdy.
Jeannie Tolle
August 11, 2008
To the family of Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. I just read the newspaper article about Michael, he was a remarkable person even before he went into the Army. I know you have lots of happy memories of Michael to comfort you. Just remember he will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace young American Hero.
In loving memory of my grandson
Pfc. Aaron J. Ward
4/28/89 KIA 5/6/2008 Anbar, Iraq
2nd Lt. Michael R. Girdano
August 11, 2008
Garnet Jenkins
August 11, 2008
My Deepest and Most Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to the family of 2nd LT. Michael R. Girdano, with a Multitude of Thanks for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
The price Michael and his family have paid, Will Never Be Forgotten. May he Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of God be with the Girdano family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago
"Surely He hath borne our grief,
And carried our sorrows."
~ Isaiah 53:4 ~
May you find comfort and strength, in the beautiful memories of times spent with Michael.
Quietly and gently, may healing come, with each new day.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
THE PENTLAND FAMILY
August 11, 2008
TO THE ENTIRE GIRDANO FAMILY,
WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF 2ND LT. GIRDANO, OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY. THE PRICE OF FREEDOM AND THE SACRIFICE MADE COULD NOT OF BEEN GREATER. WE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD GIVE YOU A LITTLE PEACE OF MIND TO KNOW THAT COMPLETE STRANGERS APPRECIATE 2ND LT. GIRDANO AND WHAT HE WAS DOING FOR ALL OF US. THANK YOU!!! YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS & IN OUR PRAYERS.
Kathie O'Neill
August 10, 2008
I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for your immeasurable contribution to our country. We are forvever in your debt. Your sacrifice shall never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
An ex-Pittsburgher
August 10, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. What an achieving, talented young man he was. God will watch over him now.
Merle & Ruth Jantz
August 10, 2008
What words can be said to ease any pain you are feeling at this time? I don't have any. All I can say is God bless you and help you. Call on family and friends for support. We love you.
anonymous
August 10, 2008
God Bless Your Son to have been a hero at such a young age. Please know that so many truly appreciate these young men and women who give the ultimate sacrifice. I truly wish it could be different for you so that you could see his smiling face again, but know that he is with God now - even though it will not make your suffering that much easier. Thank you so much for this wonderful son of yours. I weep for your tremendous loss.
Diane (a mom)
August 10, 2008
May God bless you and dry your tears as He holds Michael in His arms.
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