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.
Ralph Simoneau
July 7, 2026, 7:42 pm
Thanks for all your guidance. I’ll never forget you or the days at Hudson.
Gail Cooper
July 7, 2026, 8:27 pm
Susan and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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.
Tammy Shaw Lyman
July 7, 2026, 11:37 pm
Coach Girardi was one of the very best teachers, coach, mentor and person. He was my math teacher back in the early 80s at Gulf High and a neighbor to my parents in Oak Ridge. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Girardi, Jaime, Jennifer, all the family and friends. He was a great mentor and role model for many students and athletes throughout his career. He will be missed. 🙏🕊️
Dave and Wendy Kall
July 8, 2026, 6:40 am
I remember Paul as an unassuming, practical man, dedicated to Susan, Jennifer and Jaime. He had a great sense of humor and was interested in so many things, especially sports, but also traveled and reading and spending time with family.
Having worked with Susan so closely for so many years, I feel like I have been a small part of their family life.
Paul had a large reach, not only at Gulf High School, also Tampa Bay Area sports and young athletes and in the New Port Richey community. He and Susan have given so much. He was a highly respected coach and teacher. The world is a better place because of Paul’s life. And he will be missed so much by his family and all who knew him.
Chuck Wolfe
July 8, 2026, 10:58 am
Very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. To Susan and the girls, Jack, Billy, and Paul’s entire family, may God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Larry Beets
July 8, 2026, 12:46 pm
Condolences and prayers for your family. A life well lived and the impact you had on not only your students but coaches who coached with you or came in contact with. You were always first class. Knowing you since 1974 you have left a legacy on how to accomplish things the right way. There is a void now in the coaching fraternity but the memories with you will carry us through. Sue, Jaime and Jennifer thank you all for sharing your husband and Dad with the many students athletes and coaches over the years. Rest in peace. Larry Beets
Steve Feldman
July 8, 2026, 6:04 pm
Paul was a first class representative for Gulf High and was a wonderful mentor and AD during my 13 years as Economics teacher & Boys Basketball Head Coach. I take many wonderful memories of Coach Girardi with me and pass along sincerest condolences to Susan and family. GHS was a better place because of Paul.
Larry Robison
July 8, 2026, 11:03 pm
Paul was a great friend. I enjoyed working with him at Gulf High and greatly appreciated his leadership as our athletic director. I will fondly remember all of the times we play golf together. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, as a person of integrity, thoughtfulness, and a caring heart. Condolences to Susan and the entire family.
Joan Strickland
July 9, 2026, 3:51 pm
We met Paul when my son Larry tried out for the football team. It was when we were involved with the booster club did we get to know Paul. Over the years a friendship developed with Paul, Susan,Jaime and Jennifer. I will always remember our golfing weekends in St Augustine. He enjoyed playing golf and coaching. I know he’s at peace now. My prayers and thoughts for Susan, Jaime, Jennifer and grand children.
BILL COLLINS
July 12, 2026, 12:10 am
So sorry to hear about Paul. Played golf many rounds with him and enjoyed every one. Condolences to Jaime and the family in this sad time..
Cheryl Renneckar
July 13, 2026, 2:41 am
My heartfelt sympathy to Susan, Jaime, Jennifer and Paul’s family and friends. Heaven just gained an amazing angel!
Paul touched so many lives in a positive manner as a teacher, coach and Athletic Director. He not only had an impact on students but on all the adults he mentored and worked with…he was a class act…a man of integrity, faith, and compassion. It was a privilege and honor to work with Paul at Gulf High! Godspeed, Paul!
Jay Fulmer
July 13, 2026, 11:53 am
Coach Girardi was true gentleman. He was very conscientious about teaching and was the best athletic director I’ve ever known. He was firm, he was fair, and he always had time for anyone who needed his help. I learned much from him and always appreciated his honesty. Gulf High was lucky to have him for all those years. RIP Coach.
Jim Davis
July 13, 2026, 1:42 pm
Paul was a gentleman first class and man of great integrity. Prayers go out to Susan,Jaime and Jennifer. Know that he is at peace and under the wing of our Lord. He was a friend,mentor and confidant. I probably still owe him a dollar or two from losing to him in golf.
Jenny McNally-Trinity Hearing
July 23, 2026, 3:40 pm
Loved seeing Paul and Susan for me to clean those hearing aids. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for comfort for the family.