Joseph J Giordano

1928 - 2011
Giordano-Joseph J., 83, died peacefully on May 29. Joseph was a resident of Upper Nyack, N.Y. and Naples, Fla. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 18, 1928 to Mary and Stanley Giordano with younger sister Josephine. Joe found his passion in aviation and artistry and enlisted into the United States Navy upon graduating from the Manhattan School of Aeronautical Engineering. He was deployed in Texas, working in aeronautics for the duration of his active duty. Joe continued his line of service after being discharged from the Navy, becoming a well-respected and commended officer of the New York Police Department. He served as a patrolman and narcotics and vice detective for 21 years and won several awards from the Community Council for his outstanding police work and service to the community. Joe worked his beat in Staten Island and Brooklyn; he was so well-loved by locals that he became known to them as "Father Joe," a kind and endearing police officer and, more importantly, human being. He was a member of the NYPD Columbia Association of Italian-American Policeman.
Joe is survived by his wife, Gloria, children, Stephen, Stanley, Gloria, daughter-in-law Mary and son-in-law Thomas and grandchildren, Stephen, Jennifer, Kristen, Tim, Daniel, Joseph and William. Joe and Gloria were married for 59 years, having met on the Coney Island Boardwalk shortly after Joe was discharged from his naval service. Joe often spoke of some the greatest joys in his life - the times he spent with his grandchildren. He took delight in attending their athletic events, high school and college graduations or simply driving them to school. Joe will always be remembered by his family and friends for his loving and compassionate nature and radiating kindness that was evident to everyone he met. He was the co-founder and president of the Christian division of V.O.I.C.E at the Brooklyn School for Special Children, and a volunteer at ARC of Rockland, supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Joe was known around the Nyack community for his work as a security guard at Nyack Hospital, taking the time to endear himself to the dozens of people he met every day. Those who knew him treasure the time they spent with a benevolent, unwaveringly loving and loyal husband, adored father, beloved grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His quiet strength was an inspiration to all. Viewings will be held at Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, NY on Thursday, June 2nd at 1PM to 4 PM and 6PM to 9PM. A memorial service will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Nyack, NY on Friday, June 3rd at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Nyack Hospital, St. Ann's Church or United Hospice of Rockland.