The family of Michael Peter Giardino celebrates the life of a dedicated man who loved Jesus with all his heart and led his family with a gentle spirit. Mike was a determined builder, a true craftsman in every sense. He invested his heart and energy into everything he built from his family, relationships, manufacturing systems, databases, and eventually a business making custom furniture. Mike adored his eleven grandchildren and more than anything wanted to see them grow up to honor Jesus.

Mike is survived by his wife of 44 years, Julie, who was his high school sweetheart, his four sons and daughters-in-law: Nicholas (Christy), Joseph (Jackie), Andrew (Ashley), and Anthony (Renee) are his pride and joy.  Mike was preceded in death by his parents: Peter Giardino and Mavis Giardino, his brother David Giardino, and three grandchildren, Samuel, Claire, and Angel Baby who each left us for Heaven before their Earthly birth.

Mike and Julie both love Jesus and it was apparent in how they raised their family and in their service to others. Their love of Christ and ministry to His people shone brightly. Despite a lack of formal ministry training, together they have spent over 50 years in lay ministry. Mike and Julie taught their sons to love Jesus and to demonstrate love through service just as they were doing. Mike’s faithfulness inspired his sons’ dedication to family and community. 

Mike Giardino knew how to have fun! He loved to laugh with those around him, play practical jokes, and find the humor in the everyday moments. Mike and “the boys” spent time on golf courses and have many memories to share of their exploits, inside jokes, and traditions.

Mike was a determined man. He spent 43 of his 65 years fighting disease which sought to limit him. Never one to shrink from a challenge, he invented creative “Mike” ways of doing things. Mike overcame obstacles every day to fight for his family and lead from a place of humility, passion, and truth. He reached those who had been cast off, most often the homeless, widowed, orphaned, and single mothers. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave when there was a need. He worked diligently his entire life despite an affliction with psoriatic arthritis which stole his dexterity but did not dampen his resolve to adapt so that he could fulfill his calling. Decades of treatment for arthritis allowed him to be more present and provide for his family, but it ultimately caused the liver disease which finally took him from this life and into the arms of Jesus.

Mike was a self-taught engineer and database programmer and he worked at both to be able to do what he really loved in life.  His passion for furniture design and construction kept him occupied in his shop for hours each day where he took reclaimed wood and materials and crafted beautiful things.  Eventually, his craft became a business: “Original Relics” which was aimed at spreading the Gospel through flawless quality, precision, and personalized service. Mike was a naturally gifted craftsman and he designed and brought his clients’ dreams of legacy pieces to life. He loved working on his next project for the sole purpose of delighting its new owner. He tempered his engineering perspective of precision with a keen eye for uniqueness. He could spend hours with neighbors and friends describing his next design and sharing stories. Every client design meeting inevitably led him back to testifying for his love of Christ and his family.

Mike partnered with his wife on shared passion projects at her beloved schools to help kids learn and know Jesus. Since Julie’s entry into Christian education, Mike has volunteered and led many teams to improve school environments so children could hear about Jesus. Landmark Christian School, Harvest Christian Academy, Providence School, Lexington Christian Academy,and Kingsway Christian School have all benefited richly from his leadership, creative mind, precise craftsmanship, and strong determination for discipleship of young children. 

As a volunteer he taught his love of woodcraft to students for three years. He passed on his love of engineering and creative craftsmanship to his sons and grandsons who could be found at his side “apprenticing” while working on a project.  He wanted them to know that giving their best, forgetting about shortcuts, and taking their time was a testimony of love. These values were engrained into his sons, grandchildren, and students.

Mike will be desperately missed by his family and by the Christian communities he served: Harvest Bible Chapel, Life Action Ministries, and Walk in the Word Ministries.

The Giardino family requests, in lieu of flowers, that well-wishers consider gifts to the Charger Capital Campaign in his honor. Indianapolis Christian School System has set up a legacy fund in his name to support the building of the new school, most specifically the STEM lab where he dreamt for students to learn engineering and woodworking as they learned to serve with their hands. At his passing, he was working on initial designs for the STEM labs as a gift to the school. A link for honoring Mike in one of his favorite ways is here: Mike Giardino Memorial Fund
The Giardino family invites you to share stories about Mike. Any meaningful or special moments involving Mike can be captured below.

A memorial service for Mike Giardino will be held to honor his legacy. There will be no formal funeral home visitation, or burial, as the family is honoring Mike’s desire to have a celebration of life instead. This celebration will be held at Radiant Bible Church, 420 Gable Crossing Drive, Avon, IN46123 on September 15, at 4 pm.The memorial service will be led by Pastors Drew Schmitz and Mike Johnson. 

The Giardino family requests that all attendees celebrate Mike’s love of the outdoors and passion for golf by arriving in bright golf attire ready to celebrate his freedom from disease, his legacy, and to worship with his family over a life well lived.