In Memory of

James

A.

Giordano

Condolences

Condolence From: John A “Jack” McClung MD
Condolence: Jim, It has been years since I last saw you in 1965, and somehow your name came to my lips this morning after returning from Abington to visit my 97 year old mother yesterday. As with so many things, I have been late in remembering you. All that has been said here about you is true and more. So let me simply greet you in the name of your Honors English class for that year along with those special names that I recall including Joan Wikler, Ruth Bauer, Peter Conn, Melanie Santee, and the host of others whom you taught to think and to write. You served as the beginning to a long and astonishing journey into literature. You blessed us all with your presence. May all of us who remember you be for a blessing to you and to Don.
Wednesday July 10, 2019
Condolence From: Susan Tucker Sabo
Condolence: My only regret is that I didn't let Mr. G. know while he was living that he was absolutely formational in my continuing love of literature and in the way I have approached learning and thinking for the fifty years since being in his classes. Not many teachers live on in one's life the way Mr. G. has in mine. I hope he had satisfaction in his career and memories that brought smiles from time to time. The world could use more teachers like him! My condolences to his family.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Condolence From: Laurel Lesser Zimet
Condolence: A beloved and respected teacher, always remembered for encouraging both critical thinking and tolerance.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Condolence From: Jane Strauss
Condolence: A fine teacher in an unforgettable class. He taught us how to see, question ... think. What an honor !
Thursday August 16, 2018
Condolence From: Tom Wieder
Condolence: I am also one of the lucky ones who had Mr. G as a teacher, 1965-66. More than 50 years, and 3 college degrees later, his class stands out as one of the most memorable and important educational experiences of my life. And knowing him as a person - his enthusiasm, his energy, his positive challenging of us, was just as important. I hope that he knew how much he meant to us.
Tuesday August 14, 2018
Condolence From: Patti Rieser
Condolence: Mr G. had a profound impact on my life as my Honors English teacher in 10th grade at Abington. He was challenging and compassionate, honest and demanding, funny and deadly serious (pun intended). He opened my eyes and my heart to new ways of seeing the world and recruited me as an earnest 10th grade existentialist. He welcomed me as a helper in the department office when I cut other classes, and I learned far more from him in those hours than from my math teacher. Mr G. also made me learn grammar, which I hated at the time and which has served me well in my professional life as a science writer. A deep bow to you, Jim. You changed me, and I'm grateful.
Wednesday August 08, 2018
Condolence From: Hugh Gilmore
Condolence: From Hugh Gilmore: Such a loss to the world. Jim was my department chairman at Abington, but oh so much more during the six years I taught there. He was an incredible man of great integrity, insight and intelligence. He was the greatest teacher I ever had, though I was never his actual pupil. He had the gift of honesty mixed with tact -- and occasional bluntness. A kind, talented, dedicated person. I have missed him whenever I've thought of him after I left Abington. I was an English and Humanities teacher at North Campus from 1966-70 (?) with two additional years at the Alternative East High School after that.
Wednesday August 08, 2018
Condolence From: Laurie Mundy-Capen
Condolence: An amazing teacher. I think of the books I read in his class often. I am still Sisyphus and still pushing rocks uphil. Peace and blessings to all who knew you and grieve for you. Abington HS Class of '85
Tuesday August 07, 2018
Condolence From: Phil & Dianne Smith
Condolence: Jim Giordano will live in our memories as one of the finest human beings we had the privilege to have known. An intellectual force of nature, he crafted Critical Thinking into an art form, inspiring both his students and his colleagues. He brought ideas to life with a brilliant theatrically that few could mimic — once costumed as a large insect with twigs for its many arms, he boldly marched into a class on Kafka and had students eating out of the palm of his hand. Who else could do that? A superb life coach, Jim wore his humanity on his sleeve, and we were all the better for it. Everyone who knew him loved him, and that love was reciprocated. Thank you, Don, for sharing him with us.
Monday August 06, 2018
Condolence From: Ted & Joanne Weiner
Condolence: We are deeply saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful friend, a special mentor, and a terrific teacher. Jim will be missed, and our sincere condolences go to our friend Don who will always be Jimmies’ soulmate . Rest in peace dear friend...
Monday August 06, 2018