Stephen Francis Giordano of Gardner passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of his 67th birthday, May 4, 2022.
He will be remembered by those who knew him best as a kind, funny, and artistic soul.
Over the years he dabbled in different careers, the most boring of which being the years he spent at Alumax. Steve was better suited to his jobs of entertaining people alongside his friend Patty Waszak in the ’90s and the time he spent as a self-employed magician, performing at many local venues.
He also spent many a Christmas season in a red suit, bringing joy to the local children.
Steve loved entertaining, but he always considered himself, above all else, an artist. He spent a good portion of his life in his paint room, and was a member of the Kankakee Art League. Steve enjoyed creating the beautiful oil paintings that won him several ribbons and awards, but most importantly adorn the walls of many family and friends’ homes.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Barbara (nee Balthazar) Giordano and his father, Marvin Giordano.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Cynthia “Cindy” (nee Muzzarelli) and his three children: Jacob, Paul (Jessica), and Julia. With all of the love that he had for his family, he saved the most for his grandchildren: Jacob, Caiden, and Carter.
He is also survived by his sisters: Jeanne (Mike) Warn-ing and Becky (Jim) Davidson; his nieces: Lauren (Anthony) Johnson and Jessica Warning (fiance, Jake Esposito); a great-niece, Jade; and great-nephew, Trey.
He touched many hearts throughout his life, and therefore leaves behind numerous close friends.
The family received friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home in Gardner on Friday, May 6, 2022 between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Reverend Stanley Drewniak at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 7, in St. Lawrence Catholic Church, South Wilmington, Illinois.
Burial followed in Brace-ville-Gardner Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made as gifts in Steve’s memory to The National MS Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to his heart.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook, upload photographs, and share Steve’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd., in Gardner.