Gaetano Giardini, left, with son Dino, who operated Limestone service station, Del, Trieste and Theresa.
A large number of friends and relatives arrived at 63 Prospect Street to celebrate Delphina Eleanora Giardini Pierandri’s 100th birthday last Sunday. Mrs. Pierandri — “Del” — relaxed under a large tent on her back lawn while a host of Ridgefield old-timers came to wish her a very happy birthday.
Mrs. Pierandri was born in Ridgefield on Sept. 2, 1914 to Gaetano “Harry” Giardini and Theresa Cecchine Giardini. She was born on Grove Street in the house that is now the Coffey Realty office. The Antonio Mei family resided on the first floor and the Giardinis lived on the second. Until Prohibition Mr. Giardini and Mr. Mei operated a tavern in the basement of the building.
Delphina Pierandri
In 1923 the Giardinis moved to 63 Prospect Street. Mrs. Pierandri has lived there for the past 91 years. The Giardini family included Gaetano, Theresa, Del, Trieste and Dino. Mrs. Pierandri graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1932 with Dick Venus, Elizabeth Mulvaney, Lena Salvestrini and Mary Moylan, among a few others. After graduation Mrs. Pierandri was employed as a dishwasher and then waitress at the Scala family’s Elms Inn.
Mrs. Pierandri married Dwino Thomas Pierandri on Nov. 18, 1939. The couple had four children who hosted last week’s festivities: Elaine (1941), Sandy (1943), Harry (1946) and John (1951). She also has 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, with more on the way.
Mrs. Pierandri has been a member of the Italian American Mutual Aid Society Women’s Auxiliary, the Ladies of the Evening Quilters, Founders Hall Quilters and the Nutmeg Quilters.