Paul Edward Girardi passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026 at the age of 77 in New Port Richey, Florida. He was preceded in death by his father Albert Girardi, and mother Rosemary (Fuhrman) Girardi, his sister Joanne (Gioioso) and brother Bob. Paul left behind his high-school sweetheart, Susan (Lauffer), to whom he was married for 56 years. He is also survived by his two children, Jaime (Alison) and Jennifer, four grandchildren, Austin and Braxton (Makinson), Gabriella and Ashlynne (Girardi), and brothers Jack (Marie) and Bill.
Born and raised in Freeport, Pennsylvania, Paul loved just about anything dealing with sports. He moved on to play football at Slippery Rock University, and then moved to Florida where he dedicated his career as a teacher, coach and athletic director in Pasco County (primarily at Gulf High School). Throughout his life, when he wasn’t traveling or golfing, he could be found supporting all Tampa Bay professional sports franchises, and an avid fan of the Florida State Seminoles.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 8320 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey, Florida 34653 on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Metropolitan Ministries West Pasco, 3216 US Highway 19, Holiday, Florida 34691.
Margaret Swartz
July 7, 2026, 6:00 pm
Heartfelt sympathies to Paul’s family and cousins Jack and Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sara Parks
July 7, 2026, 11:24 pm
My condolences to Mr. Girardi’s family. He taught me at Gulf High in 1992! I had moved down from Canada and it was a tough transition going into senior year at a new school. Mr. Girardi was funny and always made me feel seen. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.