M. David Giardino

M. David Giardino, 81, died Wednesday, 27 November 2013 in Naples FL. His wife and daughter were by his side. Dave was born December 3, 1931, in Jersey City NJ, and raised in Williston Park and Manhasset, NY. He attended the New Hampton School in New Hampshire where he graduated salutatorian in 1949. He went on to matriculate at Princeton University, receiving his BSCE degree in Civil Engineering in 1953. Following graduation from Princeton, Dave reported for training at the US Naval Base in Newport RI where he received a commission as Ensign in the Civil Engineer Corps of the US Navy. Dave served five years active duty in Brooklyn, NY and Stockton, CA. during the Korean Conflict years and held one of the highest security clearances given during that time. Upon his return to the east coast in 1958, Dave began a varied career as a business entrepreneur. He joined HJ Zoubek Company, which he eventually purchased in 1962 and renamed Equipco Sales and Rental Corp. The firm grew from a light equipment distributor to become one of the most significant heavy equipment / crane distributers in NJ/NY metro market. His future son-in-law James Mackinson joined Equipco in 1981 followed by his daughter soon thereafter. Dave became chairman in the late 1980’s. In the late 1960’s Dave started and eventually sold a company which manufactured concrete pumping equipment. He shared several patents for equipment used to pump concrete and grout. During the early 1970’s, Dave entered into the machinery export business with dealings in England, Belgium, South America, the Mid-East and Africa as well as the Pacific rim. Dave and his wife traveled the world extensively in connection with this enterprise during that period. Dave’s love of travel eventually led him to introduce his grandchildren to the world, bringing each in turn on the trip of their choice across the globe. Dave served his industry in numerous capacities including as president of the New Jersey Equipment Distributors Association, and eventually as board member and in 1988 president of the National Association of Equipment Distribution – AED. He was chair of the NJ Product Liability Task Force – testifying before Congress on product liability matters. For several years, Dave served as a board member of the NJ Alliance for Action. During the mid-1960’s Dave became interested in real-estate development and first managed and later developed a series of projects including apartments, office buildings, industrial buildings, small commercial structures. Along with his son, he developed several well know properties in Princeton NJ – Brooks Bend, and Governors Lane. Dave and his wife, Lorraine, were founding member of Parents Against Drug Abuse – PADA – in Summit NJ, where the couple lived for nearly thirty years before returning to Princeton NJ. Dave was a life member of the New York Athletic Club, and held memberships in a number of other clubs over the years including Springdale Golf Club, The Nassau Club, and Fairmont Country Club. Dave enjoyed playing golf and tennis, as well as performance driving. He was an avid collector of wine, establishing an extensive cellar, and was a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs. Those who knew him will attest to his skill behind the stove. In later years, Dave served on various advisory boards in the construction equipment distribution industry, as a member of the policy board of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and on the board of The New Hampton School. Dave is survived by Lorraine Bell, his wife of 64 years. Also surviving are his two children and their spouses: Michael and Laura, Leslie and Jim; a daughter–in-law: Sandy; and six grandchildren: Margaux, James, Alexandra, Daniel, Dave, and Margaret; and his sister Stephanie. A memorial service will be held Saturday, 14 December, Niles Chapel, Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton NJ at 10 AM. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

M. David Giardino

December 3, 1931 - November 27, 2013