James Smith Girardi

James Smith Girardi, 72, of Leechburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg.

A son of the late Joseph F. Girardi Jr. and Virginia P. (Smith) Girardi, he was born December 27, 1948, in New Kensington.

James was a 1967 graduate of Leechburg High School.  In 1970, he received his B.S. in Education followed by his Masters in Elementary Education in 1975 from Clarion University.  He earned his Principal Certificate from Duquesne University in 1983.  James taught for 13 years in the New Kensington-Arnold School District and also served as an administrator there from 1983-1997.  He was then employed by Kiski Area School District for 9 years as the elementary principal at Bell Township Elementary School and Laurel Point Elementary School before retiring in June 2006.

His memberships included the PA School Boards Association of Harrisburg, the PA Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals of Harrisburg, the Train Collectors Association of Strasburg; and the Fort Pitt Division of the Train Collectors Association of Pittsburgh.  James was of the Catholic faith.  He enjoyed train collecting, drag racing, collecting antiques and fixing up houses and cars.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Laura Lee (Troutman) Girardi of Leechburg; a son, Jason M. Girardi (Rebecca) of Prosper, Texas; two granddaughters, Gianna and Gemma Girardi; a brother, Joseph F. Girardi III of Canonsburg, PA; and a nephew, Mark Girardi (Lynn) of Little Washington, PA.

A private family visitation and Blessing service will be held at the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main Street, Leechburg (724-842-1051).  Private interment will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.  Donations in James’ name may be made to the Leechburg Football Scholarship Fund, c/o 135 Market Street, Leechburg, PA  15656.  

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