Elmer George Giardini

Elmer “Mike” Giardini, age 96, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on December 5, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, Mike was the son of Eva Davis and George Giardina. He lived a life defined by deep love, quiet strength, unmatched charisma, and an unwavering determination to keep moving forward. Fully present in every season of life, he met each day with gratitude, purpose, and resilience.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Emma Giardini; his son, Kevin Giardini; and his children from his first marriage, Daryl Knudeson and Mike Giardini. He leaves behind a family forever shaped by his devotion, guidance, and example.

Throughout his life, Mike was known first and foremost as a devoted husband and extraordinary father. A proud Korean War veteran, he survived a military aircraft crash that nearly claimed his life—an event that deepened his faith and forever changed the way he lived. Despite severe injuries and a doctor’s prediction that he would be permanently disabled, Mike refused to accept limitations. Even with significant disfigurement, he went back to school, earned multiple California engineering certifications, and built a long, accomplished career in the Defense and Aerospace industry. Skilled, determined, and endlessly capable with his hands, he continued working as an engineer until his retirement in 2010 at the age of 82. He never allowed hardship to define him; instead, he pressed on with humility, strength, and a steadfast spirit.

A deeply faithful Catholic, Mike’s passions included archery, photography, football, beer, and ice cream—but none ever rivaled his love for his family. His natural curiosity about how things worked came from a pure heart, an innocent mind, and a playful spirit that stayed with him throughout his life. Despite his disfigurement, he never hid behind it. Instead, he embraced people openly, loved conversation, and had a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel good about themselves. His larger‑than‑life presence, humor, and rich life experiences filled every room he entered. He was loved deeply, respected greatly, and will be missed beyond words by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held on December 29 at 2:00 PM at Bunker Funeral Home, 925 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89101. Burial services will follow on December 30 at 9:20 AM at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

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