Philip J. Giordano

Philip J. Giordano, who served in the U.S. Army, also as a longtime Stamford Board of Representatives member, and as the Board's first Sergeant at Arms, died December 13th, 2024.

Mr. Giordano was born in Stamford in 1927 to Italian immigrants Egidio and Venere Giordano. He was educated in the Stamford public schools and was a retired custodian for the Stamford school system. During his long life, Mr. Giordano served the city in many ways, including as a firefighter, a volunteer for veterans' causes, and a public safety advocate. He was most proud of helping to save the playground at Hart School that now bears his name, and where he was recently honored.

Mr. Giordano started working as an elementary schooler, selling newspapers, and shining shoes in downtown Stamford. In early childhood, he accompanied his mother to her English language classes in Stamford's Adult Education program. As he grew, he developed a love of reading and was the proud winner of his 9th grade spelling bee.

During WWII, Mr. Giordano followed four of his older brothers into military service, joining the Army.

When in the 1990s Mr. Giordano learned that Hart School might lose its playground, he decided to run for the Board of Representatives and help preserve the space for the school, neighborhood children, and Boys and Girls Club attendees. He remained on the Board of Representatives for the decades that followed and promoted issues such as pedestrian safety.

A volunteer to the end, Mr. Giordano could be seen at his favorite spot at Cummings Beach in the last months of his life, picking up litter from the shore. The beach's seabirds and trees were important to him, and he worked with the city to ensure their safety.

Mr. Giordano was recognized with numerous awards for his service to Stamford, including the Good Citizen Award from the Stamford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. He was delighted to meet the children of Hart School in 2023, at a ceremony that dedicated the playground in his honor.

Mr. Giordano is survived by his children, Richard J. Giordano, Sr. (Kathy) and Joan Winter, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marion Bottomly Santarisiero Giordano, six brothers, and a sister. Mr. Giordano was the brother of the late Bruno Giordano, mayor of Stamford from 1967-1969.

A Mass will be held at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic Street, on Friday, December 20th at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be held at St John Cemetery, 25 Camp Ave, Darien. There will no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mr. Giordano’s memory to the Salvation Army.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.lacerenzafh.com