Enrique Giordani Vasquez

Enrique Giordani Vasquez, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida after a brief illness.  He was born on September 9, 1929 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. His parents were the late San Piero Giordani and Helen Vasquez.

As young as 12 years of age and with only a fifth grade education, Enrique was a genius at working with small engines. To everyone’s amazement, he designed and built his first go cart in which he got in trouble with the Puerto Rican Police for having to chase him around in it for speeding and having no tags or license.  Lucky his uncle was a Police Sargent and got him off.

As a young adult, he moved to New York City prior to the war and enrolled in a technical school for refrigeration and heating repair while working as an auto and diesel mechanic.  Through much study and training, he proudly received his certificate.

In December of 1951, Enrique was called upon by his country to serve in the U.S. Army.  He was then sent back to Puerto Rico for basic training, and upon completion he was attached to the 65th Infantry Regiment as a rifle man and BAR gunner. Later in 1953, he was transferred to the 45th Infantry Regiment. Enrique received two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts as well as the United Nations Service Medal for valor under fire in battles against North Korean and Chinese Communist troops. After serving in the Army Reserve for eight years, Private Enrique Giordani-Vasquez received an Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America on March 25th, 1960. 

He then returned back to New York City area to continue his work as an auto and diesel mechanic and refrigeration technician. He was also a certified truck driver who traveled in and out of the states. He worked for the Mayflower Moving Company and Commercial Carrier Corporation for many years. Enrique was loved by every employer he ever worked for because of his dedication, his work ethics and skills. He retired in 1990.

Enrique had a passion for motorbikes. So, as a hobby, he joined a motorcycle club.  This club created fond memories for him and it helped him to unwind from memories of the war. Enrique was known for attending the annual Daytona Bike Week, and sometimes his wife, Julia, would enjoy the ride and experience with him.

Enrique was preceded in death by his parents, San Piero and Helen Giordani and his daughter, Helen. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 48 years, Julia Rodriquez; his children ~ Rick (Shirley), Perry (Betty), Ralph (Betty) Lourdes and Anezthy (Minin); his grandchildren ~ Sandra, Crystal, Cameron and Richard; his sisters ~ Conchita and Nydia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends. Enrique will be greatly missed!  May he rest in PEACE.

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