Obituary of Joseph Thomas Tardi

Joseph Thomas Tardi passed away at his home on the morning of September 26, 2012. Joseph was born in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, NY on November 15, 1919 to Rosario and Emma Brando Tardi. Joseph was the youngest of three siblings (Nancy and James). Joseph graduated from both Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, NY and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,Troy, NY, Class of 1943; BE/PE Mechanical Engineering. He attended RPI on a merit scholarship and was a straight-A student. During his freshman year at RPI, Joseph was a member of the baseball team. Sports was a major focus in Joseph's life, as both a fan and athlete, he was a dedicated fan of the NY Mets, NY Giants, and NY Knicks. However, the height of his athletic career came late in life. At 90 years old, while touring the newly constructed Yankee Stadium, Joseph was invited to participate in a slow-pitch batting practice out on the field for an audience of Roy White, Joe Pepitone, and other Yankee greats who cheered him on. Despite his age, Joseph was able to hit several pitches and his name appeared on the Jumbotron while he was at the plate. Joseph was also a member of the United States Navy and a veteran of World War II. Joseph had a long career as a professional engineer which included terms of management and consulting with Norton Company, BehrManning, and General Electric. During the course of his professional career he traveled the United States reorganizing manufacturing facilities and was in charge of engineering for new construction. Joseph also made entrepreneurial ventures into developing suburban homes, worked as a consultant to facilities management at Skidmore College, and taught courses in engineering at Hudson Valley Community College. He spent his retired years managing the finances for Joseph Tardi Associates, his son's marketing, public relations, and advertising firm. Joseph was a dedicated family man and devoted husband of 68 years. He is survived by his wife, Johann Milanese Tardi of Clifton Park; son, Joseph Charles of Niskayuna; daughter, Johanne Mangi and her husband, Dr. Richard Mangi of North Haven, CT; and grandson, Joseph Thomas Charles of Niskayuna. Calling hours, Friday, September 28th at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street in Schenectady from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist on Union Street, Schenectady on Saturday, September 29th at 10 a.m.