Francis Gilardi

Francis "Frank" John Gilardi, age 89, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2013 at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born November 11, 1923 in Buttigliera d'Asti, a small town east of Turin, Italy. He was the second of six sons of Bartolomeo Gilardi and Lucia Gorgerino Gilardi. He joined the Salesian Congregation of St. John Bosco in August 1941. He did college work in Rome and Northern Italy, and obtained his "Maturita Classica" (M.A. equivalent) in 1946.

In December 1946 he emigrated to U.S. and in the following years perfected his English. He was ordained priest on August 15, 1952. Over the years he taught Latin, Greek, Italian and mathematics at high school and college level mainly in New Jersey and Massachusetts. He obtained his PhD in Greek and Latin at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

In June 1979 Frank left the active priesthood. On October 6, 1980 he married Mary Rose Gilardi (no relation) in Washington, DC and settled in Arlington, VA. After retiring from teaching in 1988, he did volunteer work at Marymount University, St. Agnes Parish and Arlington community, particularly visiting the elderly and homebound, and delivering Meals on Wheels. In June 2001 Frank and Mary moved to Madison, WI, where they continued their volunteer work.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and two of his brothers. Survivors include his wife, Mary Rose; and in northern Italy, three brothers, five nephews, five nieces, many grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2013, with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at church. A private burial service will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Deepest gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of St. Mary's Renal Clinic and St. Mary's Hospital for their genuine service and loving care over several years. Likewise, very special thanks to Agrace Hospice for their kindness and comfort in Frank's last week of life.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Queen of Peace School Endowment Fund or to a charity of your choice.