Joseph Giordano

Joseph "Joe" Giordano was born in Verbicaro, Italy in 1935. He liked to say he came to the United Sates the same year as The Beatles. He enjoyed going to the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco with friends and one evening met Barbara Arvigi. She knew a good thing when she saw it and quickly scooped him up. They were married approximately three months later and had a wonderful 62 years together. Joe joined the Carpenter's Union and worked many years in the construction business contributing to such San Francisco icons as the Japanese Culture Center, the Trans America Pyramid and the Chinese Culture Center. He loved San Francisco and the Bay Area and was an enthusiastic tour guide & host to all family and friends that visited the area.

Joe's main pride and joy was his garden. He grew an extensive variety of plants in his yard including grapes, oranges, lemons, figs, vegetables and herbs. He also had apple trees which he grafted to grow multiple varieties of apples on the same tree. He lovingly attended his collection of roses which were some of the most beautiful ever seen. His favorite gift was a hand picked bouquet of flowers from his garden.

Joe loved traveling with his wife and family throughout the United States, Canada & Europe. He was a wonderful, loving father and devoted grand father. He was a beloved fixture in his San Bruno neighborhood and would always stop to wave, say hi or help out wherever he could.

Joe enjoyed trips to the wine country, local casinos and cultural events including the opera and musicals. He loved listening to his extensive collection of records and making improvements around the house. Some of his favorite hobbies were fishing with his brother-in-law and hunting pheasants with his son and dogs Star & Sophie. Joe kept fit to the end, unfortunately he could not win the courageous battle he fought with a very aggressive dementia.

Joseph is survived by his loving spouse Barbara, his daughter, Mary, son-in-law, David Cook, grandchildren Amy, Michael, Michelle, step-grandchildren Heather and Danny, his niece & nephew Diane & Robert. His son Joseph preceded him in death many years back due to an unfortunate accident. He is also survived by numerous relatives throughout Italy.

The family is hoping to hold a Celebration of Life ceremony in honor of Joseph in the San Francisco Bay Area in October. Details will follow.