[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 51 (Thursday, March 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. CHARLES ANTON GIRARDI

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career of 
Mr. Charles Girardi. Mr. Girardi dedicated his life to being an 
educator and coach to many students, both in his home state of South 
Dakota as well as Merced and Fresno County. Throughout his life, he 
left a lasting legacy by teaching and inspiring his students to become 
positive role models.
  Charles Girardi, known to many as Chuck, was born in Delcarbon, 
Colorado and grew up in Lead, South Dakota. In his youth, Mr. Girardi 
was an active and gifted athlete. He was an especially talented 
basketball player, which earned him an athletic scholarship to the 
University of South Dakota, Vermillion. In 1944, he enlisted in the 
United States Navy and served in the Pacific until the end of World War 
II. Mr. Girardi was awarded medals in the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign 
and World War II Victory for his honorable service. He returned to the 
University of South Dakota shortly after being honorably discharged in 
1946 to continue his studies and play basketball. He later transferred 
to Fresno State and played basketball for the Bulldogs. Mr. Girardi was 
also a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
  Mr. Girardi earned his bachelor's degree from Fresno State in 1950 
and obtained his master's from Black Hills State College in Spearfish, 
South Dakota. He returned to Fresno after being encouraged by his 
former Fresno State coach to return for an opening coaching position. 
Mr. Girardi taught and coached at Roosevelt High School until 1974, 
when he began to work as an educator and coach at Merced College. 
During his career, he touched the lives of many students and took great 
pride in the accomplishments of his players.
  After retiring, Mr. Girardi enjoyed spending time with his family and 
playing golf. He also spent several months with his wife at their cabin 
in Black Hills, South Dakota, enjoying the familiar weather and his 
childhood environment.
  Mr. Girardi is survived by his loving children, Cindy, Cathy, 
Janelle, Guido and Mike, his sister Olga Nelson, and his grandchildren 
Michael, Stephen, Alexa, Austin, Frank, Xavier, and Sabrina. He was 
preceded in death by his devoted wife Mary Lou, his brothers George and 
Joseph, and his parents Giorgio and Angelina. He will be dearly missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and 
career of Mr. Chuck Girardi, a truly celebrated and inspirational 
individual in his community. As an educator and coach in Merced and 
Fresno County, his commitment to education will be appreciated for 
years to come.

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