Joseph B. Giordan Jr.

Joseph Giordan Jr. (Bud) was born to Joseph Sr. and Alice Giordan on June 4, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA. He passed away in Phoenix on March 30, 2016. At the age of 15 he moved to Phoenix, along with his family. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1949. He developed his love of gardening by working at the Fresh Market Grocery Farm on 7th Street from the age of 17 to 23. He served in the Army during the Korean War for 2 years. In 1955, he began working for Air Research and eventually became the Senior Quality Control engineer. He worked for Air Research for 38 years, and loved going to work every day. In 1957, Joe married Clethal Sharp Giordan. They were married for nearly 50 years, until her death in 2006. Joseph is survived by 4 children, Karen Peterson (Roger), Rachelle White (Bennett), Joseph III Giordan (Debbie) and Mark Giordan (Anne). Joseph is also survived by his beloved brother, Dr. Ronald D. Giordan (Ileana), 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 8 nieces and nephews. Bud had a number of hobbies. He hunted, gardened, and search for American Native arrowheads and pottery shards. He bowled in a number of Phoenix leagues over the years. He was a Charter Member of the Arizona State Patrol Reserves. Joseph was involved with his parish, St. Gregory's. He and his own father served side by side as ushers for many years. Dad was involved with Rim Country Retirees Club. The club met monthly to prepare care boxes for all of our servicemen and women overseas. He also donated to a number of charities, such as the St. Mary's Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Paralyzed Veterans, to name just a few. Joe was called "Boppa" by all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known for his very dry wit. Smoking a turkey at Thanksgiving was his specialty. At Christmas time he bought over $600.00 worth of See's candies each year for the entire family. His garage was his sanctuary. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Sunday, April 3rd at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. in Phoenix. Mass will be celebrated at St. Gregory's Catholic Church, 3424 N. 18th Ave. in Phoenix on Monday, April 4th at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery. So long Boppa! We will miss you. You will always be cherished. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Vincent de Paul Society would be gratefully appreciated by the family.