Ernest Charles Giordani

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we announce the passing of Ernest C. Giordani, of Binghamton, NY. Ernest passed away peacefully at his home, with family members by his side, on May 14, 2026.

Ernie was a dedicated husband to Phyllis, his high school sweetheart, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Ernie showed his love and support for his family in a multitude of ways as a dependable husband, father, son, brother, nephew, and cousin. His spirit, insights, and fortitude have created a legacy that will continue to guide our family for generations. Yet, Ernie always acknowledged that our strengths as a family grew from standing on the shoulders of indomitable Italian and Irish immigrants who paved the way through unwavering support for family, extended family, friends, and community.

For 25 years, Ernie stood before a classroom at Broome Community College as a Professor of English, changing students' lives. He taught courses in literature, poetry, creative writing, English composition, and German. He was a lover of words, puns, the study of language, and was partial to Herman Hesse and anything Jungian. He developed the first English as a Second Language program at Broome. He published insights garnered from that program in 1992 so others could learn from his experience. He also started the first literary magazine at Broome, and served as editor of that publication for 20 years. Even after being retired for decades, he would regularly run into former students who talked about how what they learned in his classes stayed with them. Ernie is the author of an anthology of his short stories called, “Pocket Full of Tales,” a compilation of his and others’ poetry called, “A Wee Potpourri of Poetry,” and a translation of selected poems by Herman Hesse.

Ernie served his country as a proud member of the United States Army during the Vietnam-era. He attended The Army Language School in Monterey CA, became fluent in Lithuanian, and was stationed with the US 7th Army, Patch Barracks, in Stuttgart, Germany, which was a central hub for Cold War operations in the 1960s. Phyllis joined him there in 1961 where they were married and together formed cherished lifelong friendships connected to the Stuttgart military community including Dan and Inge Pierce, and Doty and Larry Newman.

Ernie is survived by his wife Phyllis M. Giordani; his children Christine E. Sheffer, Renee M. Giordani, and Timothy A. Giordani; and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Giordani. He is also survived by many, many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins. 

Ernie is predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Eileen Giordani, his brothers Anthony J. Giordani, Jr., and Joseph P. Giordani, and his nephew Justin J. Barton.

We want to express our deep gratitude to the Veterans Health Administration nursing and other staff, and especially Amanda. They provided unwavering and generous support to Ernie and our family. We also want to express our immense gratitude to Hollie and Margie, Ernie’s healthcare aides. Finally, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Guthrie Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Wednesday May 27, 2026 at the Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, 483 Chenango St. Binghamton. Military honors will be conferred at the conclusion of the service. He will be entombed at Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, NY in a private ceremony. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday May 26, at the funeral home.

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