Tryon, NC -- Frank J. Giordano passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 13th, 2016 after a brief illness. Frank is survived by his wife, Laurel Hunt Giordano of Tryon, NC, an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins, and by canine companions Alex, Baker, and Rosie. He was preceded in death by his first wife Sybil ("Pete") Hegler, sister Hilda Cifrese and brother Geoffrey Giordano. Born in Morristown, NJ on June 28, 1928 to Irene and Joseph Giordano, Frank graduated from Morristown High School in 1945 and the Peddie School in 1946. He attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC to study pre-med, and graduated from Drew University in Madison, NJ with a degree in Economics, in 1950.In 1951 he joined the US Air Force Reserve and served in Korea. Upon completing his military service, Frank embarked on a career in the emerging plastics industry. Joining Foster Grant, Catalin, Hercules Powder and other manufacturers, Frank used his marketing skills to drive sales towards the automotive industry. Often, his positions required travel and relocation between New Jersey, Illinois (Chicago), Ohio and Michigan. In the early 1970s, Frank became a principal of a small plastics molder, Bronson Engineering, in Southfield, Michigan. Initially, Bronson was a minor supplier to the automotive industry. Frank's sales and business acumen built the company to a level where they supplied 80 percent of the molded plastic fuel tanks used in American cars. In 1980, Frank sold his interests in the company and retired to a farm in Mill Spring, NC. There he became a "gentleman farmer," raising beef cattle for 20 years. He also pursued a wide range of hobbies including model railroading, collecting vintage toys, and woodworking. Frank never met a stranger, and will be remembered for his quick wit, playful and fun-loving spirit, and ability to put a smile on everyone's face. Frank loved Polk County and its people. He served on the regional board of directors of the BB&T Bank, the board of Polk Vocational Services, and supported numerous community organizations. He especially loved young people and coached various sports teams in the county. A strong believer in the value of a good education, in 1999 he and Sybil established the Frank & Sybil Giordano Scholarship at UNC-Asheville to benefit students from Polk County High School. Frank enjoyed serving on the scholarship interview committee and took great pride in helping to further the education of these dedicated students.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. August 31, 2016 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC with Rev. Tonya Hill officiating.A reception will follow the service at the funeral home. To honor Frank's memory, gifts may be made to Foothills Humane Society (Columbus, NC), Polk County 4-H and Youth Foundation (Columbus, NC), or the charity of your choice.
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