Joseph “Peppino” Girardi of Southampton died on March 18 in North Wales, Pennsylvania, after a short illness. He was 92.
Mr. Girardi immigrated to the United States in 1950, after having served in the Italian Army during World War II and then working at the Danieli Hotel in Venice and as a waiter on transatlantic crossings. He got his start in the restaurant business at Romeo Salta’s in Manhattan. In 1964, he and his partner, Bruno Alessio, opened San Marco Restaurant on West 55th Street, which earned three stars from restaurant critic Craig Claiborne, who called it “the best Italian restaurant in New York.” The restaurant eventually moved to 52nd Street in Rockefeller Center, where it continued its success and earned more positive reviews from Mimi Sheraton.
Mr. Girardi retired in 1990 and moved to Southampton with his wife, Assunta “Tina” Girardi, who died in 1993.
In his retirement, he enjoyed playing in the Southampton Bocce League, growing a bountiful garden of vegetables and flowers, and cooking for family and friends. His abundant basil was used to make his pesto, which was enjoyed by many. His Fourth of July parties on his porch were events that many looked forward to.
Mr. Girardi is survived by his son, Dr. Luigi “Gino” Girardi and wife Sonya; and two grandchildren, Christina and Steven.
Funeral services were held at Our Lady of Poland Church in Southampton on March 22. Services were under the direction of the J.M. O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Italian American Foundation, c/o Giuseppe Girardi Scholarship Fund, 1860 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 (checks made out to NIAF with the notation “Giuseppe Girardi”), or the Metropolitan Opera, Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, Office of Planned Giving, 30 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023 (checks made out to the Metropolitan Opera with the notation “Girardi/Lindemann”).
on Mar 31, 2014