William Augustus "Bill" Giardini

William Augustus 'Bill' Giardini, age 98, of Huntsville, AL passed away on September 23 at his home in Madison AL

Funeral Service will be held Monday September 29 at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 208 Eustis Ave., Huntsville at 2:00 p.m. followed by a visitation/reception in the church parish hall. Interment will be in the church garden.

Bill was known to all as a loving, caring, and giving person. He lived this out through his involvement in charitable organizations throughout his life. Through his work with the Huntsville Rotary Club, and the Harris Home for Girls, his church family, the United Way, the Downtown Rescue Mission and finally his passion for Habitat for Humanity, Bill touched the lives of so many. He would say he didn't do anything special, but those who know him know better.

Born in Salamanca, NY to Rose Ferrara and Giardino Giardini, Bill joined the Army in 1945 when he turned 18. Following his discharge at the end of WWII, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. He moved south to TN, then Huntsville to join the burgeoning space industry, becoming a founding member of what is now Teledyne Brown Engineering. After a 35-year career he retired in 1988 and began his next adventure as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity where he continued to serve until June of this year.

Bill was a man of strength, humility and great integrity. His heart was full of gratitude, and he considered himself one of the luckiest people on earth.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Tidwell Giardini; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Steve Drzycimski' and his siblings, John, Alfonso, and Gloria.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Jeff Cooper and Laura and Mark Richerson; his grandchildren, Sarah Cooper, Michael and Selea Cooper, and William Richerson; his great-grandson, Elliot Cooper; nieces and nephews; and his honorary grandson, Benjamin Lengane. He is also survived by his loving Habitat for Humanity family who were such a big part of his life.

Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley, 400 Pratt Ave. NW Huntsville, AL 35801.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all who loved and supported us during the last few weeks.