John Joseph Hardiman

John Joseph Hardiman passed away after a long and valiant battle with cancer on March 24, 2011 at the Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Residence., surrounded by his family. Born on January 7, 1932 he was the son of late Joseph and Catherine Hardiman, John lived his entire lifetime in Stamford.

John will continue to be loved and cherished by his wife of 52 years, Ita Hughes Hardiman; his five beloved grandchildren, Ellen, Kate, Maggie, Jack and Ryan, and his two dearly loved daughters and their spouses, Mary Jane & Dan Kovaleski of Fairfield and Nancy & Dan Kost of Newtown . John also leaves behind his sister; Kathleen Sullivan. Mr. Hardiman was predeceased by three infant children, his brother in law John L Sullivan and his sister in law Mary Ann Perna & her husband Joseph.

John graduated from Fairfield Prep, in the Class of 1949 and then went on to the University of Connecticut where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1953. Following graduation he went on to the University of Bridgeport where he earned a Masters of Arts in Guidance and Counseling in 1958, and in 1960 the 6th year Professional Diploma in Administration.

John served in Korea from 1954- 1956 in the US Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant in the Aircraft Control and Warning and Adjutant.

John’s career in Education spanned over 35 years in the Stamford Public Schools. He began his career as an English and History teacher for the Cloonan Middle School and Stamford High School and then Guidance . From 1969-1985 John was an Administrator at Stamford High School , first as an Administrative Assistant and then to serve as Vice Principal. In 1985 John’s career took him to Rippowam High School to serve as Principal until his retirement 1989. Through out his career he was involved and lead the Stamford Adult Education evening program (1956-1981) After his retirement from the school system, he went on to work for the Union Pen Company.

In 1998, his daughter, Nancy, opened the Magic Garden Children’s Boutique, in Newtown CT. John so loved traveling the Merritt Parkway to stand beside his daughter and help her launch her retail career. John loved serving the customers, who became his friends, and their children. Throughout his life, John had many careers, his primary being an amazing Husband, father, and Grandfather.

John was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Knights of Columbus and the Italian Center. John was very active in St Leo’s parish; he was a lecture and member of the Lay advisory Board, and the St Leo’s Seniors. John enjoyed volunteering at the New Covenant House Soup Kitchen.

John touched the hearts of many throughout his life, and leaves behind many, many friends, whom he loved. John will be missed but never forgotten.

Calling hours will be Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 2- 6PM at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home 2900 Summer St Stamford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 28, 2011 at 10 AM at St. Leo Parish 24 Roxbury Rd Stamford, CT. Burial will follow at St John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Southwestern CT 1266 East Main St Stamford, CT 06902 or Rosenthal Hospice Residence 100 Shelburne Rd Stamford, CT 06902. To leave on line condolences, please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com