Thomas Girardi passed away on March 2, 2017 at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Marie Girardi and his brother Rudy Girardi. He is survived by his loving wife Carol of 48 years and their three daughters and sons-in-law: Terry and Mike Winland, Tina and Gerry Kelley, and Catie and Alex Mikolaschek, 9 grandchildren, and 3 sisters: Dorothy Inserra of Park Ridge, Illinois, Dolores Anhalt of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Gail Shannon of Oviedo, Florida.
Tom was born in 1946 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and attended Lincoln High School. After graduation he enlisted in this US Army in 1965, where he earned the rank of CW2 as a helicopter pilot. Upon retiring he owned a Piggly Wiggly grocery store with his brother Rudy in Marinette and Waunakee, Wisconsin. In 1996 he moved to Ardmore Alabama and began working for SCI in Huntsville and then later with Kroger as a manager.
Tom greatly enjoyed riding his motorcycle and taking trips with groups around the country. His kind heart, gentle spirit, and white beard lead him to the role of Santa. He was a well loved Santa for local photographers, private parties, Santa’s Village in Huntsville, local schools, and his family. His faith and family were foremost in his mind at all times. He belonged to St. Benedict’s Traditional Catholic Church, where he volunteered his time and served Our Lord faithfully.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Berryhill Funeral Home from 8:30-10 followed by a High Requiem Mass at 11 am at St. Benedict’s Traditional Catholic Church in Laceys Spring Alabama. Burial will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery at 1:45. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Benedict’s Traditional Catholic Church Building Fund in honor of Tom Girardi.
