Victor A. Giardini | Conrail executive, 54

Victor A. Giardini, 54, of Downingtown, a Conrail executive who became a college instructor, died of complications from multiple myeloma Saturday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Giardini graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys. He earned a bachelor's degree from La Salle College and a master's degree in management from Drexel University. While in school he was a brakeman and then conductor for the Pennsylvania Railroad.

In 1977 he joined the management training program at Conrail, where he met his future wife, Christine Carra. He eventually became assistant vice president of transportation quality in the operations department. While at Conrail, he taught courses at local colleges including conversational Italian - his parents were Italian immigrants.

In 2000, Mr. Giardini became a full-time instructor in the business college at the University of Delaware. He embraced his new career, his wife said, and loved the interaction with students and his colleagues.

Since his cancer diagnosis 41/2 years ago, Mr. Giardini was committed to improving cancer treatment and funding, and supported others fighting the disease. He served on the legislative advocacy committee of the International Myeloma Foundation.

He was a lector and served on committees at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in West Brandywine and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife of 29 years, Mr. Giardini is survived by sons Steven and Mark; his mother, Ernesta; a brother; and a sister.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Peter Church, 2835 Manor Rd., West Brandywine. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. at the church Friday and from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.