John Giardiniere, of Forks Township, devoted husband, beloved father, teacher and friend passed into the presence of his Savior on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.
Born Samuel Frank John Giardiniere on May 16, 1928 to Carmelo and Maria Angela (Galati) Giardiniere of Bangor, PA, he and his wife, the former Mary Bowen, were married for 62 years.
He was a dedicated member, a faithful pianist and a former adult choir director at Bethel Memorial Baptist Church in Palmer Township. In previous years, he served on the Board of Deacons at the church.
He was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for the Easton Rotary Club where he was active since 1965.
After attending Bangor High School and the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, he went on to graduate from West Chester State College in 1952. He began his teaching career in Honesdale, PA before moving on to teach in the Quakertown School District. In 1955, he accepted a position as a vocal and instrumental music teacher at the Palmer Township Elementary School, concurrently teaching Elementary Music Methods at Moravian College. Over a 37-year teaching career, he was awarded a life membership to the Palmer Township Parent Teachers Association and, upon his retirement in 1989, he became a life member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters: Mary Angela Taylor and her husband Jeff of Laurel, MD, Judi Morgan and her husband Dan of Flemington, NJ, a son David Giardiniere and his wife Marilee of West Chester, PA, and a sister, Lucy Finocchio of Palmer Township. Also surviving him are six grandchildren: Carey Morgan, John Robert Giardiniere, Rachel Taylor, Adrienne Giardiniere, Jacob Taylor and Peter Giardiniere.
An avid gardener, cook and traveler, he spoke fluent Italian and loved visiting family in Italy and Sicily.
The family will be receiving visitors at Ashton Funeral Home, 14th and Northampton Streets in Easton on Sunday afternoon, May 20 between 4:00 and 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 21 at 10:00 AM at Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, 715 Chestnut Lane, Easton. A short visitation will precede the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Organ Fund of Bethel Memorial Baptist Church.
Loretta Punturo Schiavone
May 18, 2012 at 10:38 am
Dear Giardiniere Family:
John was my dear neighborhood friend and piano teacher when I was a young girl. Our families enjoyed many happy times of music and laughter together on 7th Street, in Bangor. It was a very close knit community. I have so many wonderful memories. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless All of You.
Loretta
Joseph Iampietro
May 18, 2012 at 12:31 pm
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I still recall my time at Palmer Township Elementary in the early 60’s. John’s presence made the days more enjoyable. I also recall the fine meals at your home with Sal.
John was a excellent music teacher and I will keep him in my prayers.
Joe Iampietro
Alexandria, VA
Debbie Wilson Kolb & Linda Kolb Doyle
May 19, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Dear Giardiniere Family,
We are sorry for your loss. We were both students at Palmer Elementary in the early 60’s and had Mr. Giardiniere for Music class and choir. We remember how he pulled and pushed the piano to our classroom, how he taught us to sing the National Anthem correctly, and how he shared his love of music with us. He always had a smiling face and he made us feel like we were the greatest singers no matter how we sounded. I remember I was in sixth grade and a boy named James Seip sang a solo Oh Holy Night and Mr. Giardiniere was so proud of him. .He was a very kind and enthusiastic teacher and he truely cared for his students. He will be remembered in our heart. Our sympathy, Debbie and Linda
DOLLY LOMBARDO SELLERS
May 21, 2012 at 7:31 pm
GIARDINIERE FAMILY; SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOHN HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL HE WAS ALSO MY MUSIC TEACHER IN PALMER TWP. THEN LATER MEANT AGAIN AT BETHEL AND ON CHOIR I STILL REMMEBER THE GREAT TIMES AT THE CHOIR PICNICS WITH JOHNS HOME PASTA IT WAS SO GOOD SORRY I COULDN’T BE THERE YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS HE WILL BE IN HEAVEN SINGING ONCE A GAIN WITH .. HARRY WHAT A TREAT THAT WILL BE TO HEAR ONCE AGAIN. OUR LOVE TO YOU DOLLY
jim and margaret frost
May 24, 2012 at 11:28 pm
to mary and your whole family. i am so sorry for your loss. enjoyed all of the beautiful music he made . he is home now. love and prayers
Salvatore Di Fazio
May 30, 2012 at 7:20 am
Giovanni Giardinieri, nonostante fosse nato e vissuto in America, esa un siciliano autentico, per tradizione di famiglia, per amore verso i paesi dei suoi genitori, San Fratello e Longi, per fortissimo legame affettivo ai parenti siciliani, per la buonissima conoscenza che aveva del dialetto siciliano che capiva e parlava come uno di noi, come uno nato e cresciuto in Sicilia. Giovanni, o per meglio dire “John” era, insomma, uno di noi: un Siciliano che aveva preso a prestito l’America, in particolare la Pensylvania. Lo distinguevano la simpatia, l’affabilità, la cordialità, la generosità e il senso dell’ospitalità. Viveva a Easton, in una casa circondata da un grande giardino, che lui coltivava in tutte le stagioni. Aveva insegnato musica nelle scuole “medie” americane; suonava il pianoforte, cantava in chiesa, adorava la famiglia e i nipoti. Chi è stato a casa sua, in America, come me, non dimentica né i luoghi né il piacevolissimo soggiorno tra gente che ti facevano sentire <> a tutto tondo.
Ciao Giovanni! Ti vogliamo bene e non ti dimenticheremo mai!
Salvatore