On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Heaven’s gates opened to welcome an angel home. Giro J. Cardinal, 95, passed away peacefully following a brief illness at Beth Israel Hospital–Needham, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 6th, 1931, to the late Joseph and Mary (Lozzi) Cardinal. Giro was raised and educated in Readville; leaving school at a young age to support and provide for his family before enrolling in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Giro was stationed in Boston throughout his time in the Navy. Although he had always hoped to travel abroad, his years in Boston gave him a deep familiarity with Boston Harbor and the surrounding areas, which he came to know like the back of his hand. During one of his scheduled leaves while in the Navy, he worked for a brief time to save up enough money for an engagement ring for his future wife, Jean, whom he married on June 12th, 1954. He was a devoted, kind, and generous husband, and their seventy-two year marriage was an inspiration to all that knew them.

As a young man, he began his career working as a painter for General Dynamics at the former Fore River Shipyard in Quincy. He then became a shop steward for several decades and was a dedicated member of Local 5. Later, he served as a past vice president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO with a focus on jobs training and apprentice programs.

During his retirement he worked as a newspaper carrier, proving his instilled habit of being an early riser and an unwavering desire to be active. Giro and Jean spent several winters in Naples, Florida, as well as travelling extensively with loved ones including trips throughout Europe, Japan, and annual trips to Aruba for close to thirty years.

Giro was an engaged and curious person, who always participated in many hobbies and shared these passions with those he loved. He was a longtime member of the Old Colony Yacht Club where he served as treasurer and housed his boat, enjoying many seaside rides with family and friends. Giro had a natural connection with the water beyond his boats, enjoying many ocean swims at Nantasket beach with his grandchildren, as well as teaching his children, nieces and nephews to swim in his backyard pool. Further showing his appreciation for nature, Giro was an avid gardener and was always researching new methods to grow his yearly vegetables to their potential. A talented musician and self-taught piano player, he was the founder of the Gerry Cardinal Trio which played at events on the weekends. He was also a past president of the Norfolk County Musicians’ Union. If there was a piano present in any setting Giro entered, he never hesitated to sit down and play.

Giro had a special way of making everyone feel welcome. His humbleness, modesty, and wisdom will be sorely missed by everyone that interacted with him. He had a true appreciation for life and taking in everything around him, always asking questions without a hint of judgment in his tone. Him and Jean made countless memories in their Dedham home for over sixty-five years. They were happy to host anyone that walked through their door, whether it was a packed party on Christmas Morning, sitting at their kitchen table for birthday dinners, or on their back porch for a cup of coffee on a summer afternoon. He was a pillar of strength and kindness to his entire family, whose unconditional love never faltered.

Giro is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Jean A. (DelConte) Cardinal. Devoted father of Paula A. Cardinal-Centofanti of Westwood and John G. Cardinal of Dedham, and father-in-law of John Centofanti of Westwood. Loving grandfather of Amanda Cardinal-Centofanti and Patrick Fleming, Johnny, Adrianna, and Julia Centofanti, and Kaitlyn and Colin Cardinal. Giro is also survived by sisters-in-law Dorothy Elliot, Janice Abbatangelo, and Patricia DelConte, brother-in-law James Delconte, and many nieces, nephews, and their families. The last of three siblings, he was predeceased by his dear sisters, Vera Lyons and Geraldine Padden.

Memorial Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Sunday, October 11, from 2 – 5 p.m. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Catholic Parishes of the Blue Hills Collaborative in Saint Anne’s Church, 90 W. Milton Street, Readville, on Monday, October 12, at 10 a.m., with military honors to follow. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

For those who wish, donations in Giro’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.