On Saturday, September 9, 2017, John Anthony Girdzis of Derby, formerly of Milford, left this world peacefully after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Rita; devoted father of Paul, Tim, Amy, and Tom, and their partners Adrienne, Lynne, Billy, and Susan; adored grandfather of Matt, Dan, Sam, Gretchen, and Jonathan; cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews; dear Godfather to many others. He is predeceased in death by his parents, Anna and John Girdzijauskas and his sisters Ann Zorsky and Fran Weyman. A pioneer in the emerging field of computer business operations, John led the implementation of one of the first computer systems in the state of Connecticut in the 1950’s. Previously he had served in the US Army and graduated from Trinity College. John and Rita recently celebrated their sixty second wedding anniversary. John’s storytelling, quick wit, and affinity for limericks are only a few of the many talents and qualities for which he will be greatly missed by his cherished family and many dear friends. All are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Redeemer Church, 325 Oronoque Road, Milford on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Connecticut Hospice – Shelton.