Sam Giardina

Oscoda County Herald

Sam R. Giardina
May 30,1935-March 2,2008
Sam R. Giardina, 72, of Mio, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2008, peacefully in his sleep at his home. He had fought a courageous battle of multiple myeloma, cancer of the blood, for almost six years.
Sam was born May 30, 1935 in Superior, West Virginia to Joseph and Daisy Giardina. His family moved to Detroit during his childhood. He graduated from Sweetest Heart of Mary High School-Detroit in 1953 and attended Lawrence Tech majoring in architect design. Sam married his beloved wife Natalie on June 16, 1956. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in September 1964.
Sam and Natalie had three daughters and over the years their family grew in love and in size. He was the beloved father of Mary Anne (Movses) Shrikian, of Berkley, Michigan, Nancy (Tom) Doddridge of Naperville, Illinois and Toni (James) Pratt of Brighton, Michigan. Beloved grandfather of Tamar, Zaven, Tommy, Jessica, Nicholas, Kohar, and Alyssa. Dear brother of Dennis Giardina of Howell, MI and Carmela Giardina of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Beloved brother-in-law of Nancy and Dan Rasi, Josephine and Joe Chiari, Dr. Tony and Prudence Majestro, Carmela and Francus Cuomo, Margaret and Philip Cuomo and many nieces and nephews. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sally and niece Winona.
Sam owned and operated the Sam Giardina Cement Company in Taylor, Michigan and was later employed at Ford Motor Company for nine years, Sam and Natalie moved to Mio in 1971. They have owned and operated Hinchman Acres Resort and Canoe Rental since April of that year, almost thirty-seven years. Sam took great pride in the canoe rental business and built it to be the largest on the AuSable River and third in the state, the result of hard work and pride in giving quality canoeing and the best service to his many repeat customers. He was a member of Michigan Association of Paddlesport Providers, Michigan Lodging Association and Mio Chamber of Commerce and has held positions in all three. Sam was a member of St. Mary Parish serving on the Parish Council and as Head Usher for many years. He was also instrumental in helping to build a new rectory for the parish.
Sam was a member of the Michigan Knights of Columbus since 1959. His love for the Knights of Columbus and its members showed in his hard work and dedication to the Order. He was a charter member of both All Saints Council #4872 in Taylor and Our Lady of the Woods Council #7329 in Mio. In addition to holding numerous council offices and chairmanships, he served as Grand Knight in Mio for three years receiving three Star Council awards during his term. He was Building Corp president for many years and, in 1991, was instrumental in the building of Mio's Council Hall and was Hall Manager for many years.
Sam joined the Fourth Degree and Color Corp-Detroit General Assembly in 1961. He was also active in the Fourth Degree serving as Faithful Navigator of All Saints Assembly #1745-West Branch for two years. He served the Michigan State K of C office as District Deputy for four years and as Gaylord Diocesan Membership Director for two years.
In September 1992, he was appointed Master of the Fourth Degree-District #3 and held the position for four years. His district included Gaylord, Marquette and Saginaw Dioceses from counties in the thumb north through the entire upper peninsula. During his term of office, he founded three new assemblies in Bayport, Birch Run and his beloved Mio. In December 2007, Sam was honored with as Sir Knight of the Year Award in Michigan-District #3.
Sam had a zest for life that never diminished even during his illness. He had a deep love of God and his church. He loved and cared deeply for his family and was very proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments.
He loved cards: Bridge, Euchre, Pinochle and especially Poker. He loved cigars. He was an avid reader and recently had discovered audio-books. He was proud of his Italian heritage. He loved cooking, trying new recipes and entertaining friends. In his younger days, he enjoyed golf, bowling, hunting, fishing and canoeing. He loved traveling with his wife, visiting with relatives in Italy and Australia and spending time in Florida in the winter. He loved all his relatives and enjoyed their company.
The family would like to thank Dr. Andrzek J. Jakubowiak and all the staff at University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dr. Mario Lacerna and Dr. Robert Dormell at the University of Michigan-Alpena Cancer Center; the staff at West Branch Regional Medical Center; the staff of Grayling Mercy Hospital; Dr. Naveed Shaikh and the staff at Primary Care in Mio; the Oscoda County Ambulance Service for all their wonderful care and compassion during his illness; and Fr. Raymond Cotter, Fr. Vianney Sipulski, Fr. Clarence Smolinski and many dear relatives and friends- our prayer warriors - who carried us on dark days.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 5 from 1-9 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 225 West Sixth Street, Mio with a Parish Vigil Service at 7PM following by the Knights of Columbus Rosary and presentations. Sam will lie in state at the church beginning at 10AM until the service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 6 at 11 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mio with Fr. Raymond Cotter officiating. Military honors by The Luzerne American Legion Post # 162. Burial will be in Mentor Township Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Sam's memory to: University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center 1500 E. Medical Center Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0911 Marked ""Funds Myeloma Research""; St. Mary's Catholic Church PO Box 189 Mio, MI 48647-0189; or Mio Knights of Columbus #7329 PO Box 297 Mio, Ml 48647-0297.
He was loved by all who knew him and will be truly missed.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.