Man Killed In Armstrong Co. Crash Lost Son To WarTroopers Close Route 28/66 In Boggs TownshipPOSTED: 6:06 pm EDT October 17,
2009 BOGGS TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- One of the two men killed in a crash Saturday evening in Armstrong County was the father of a local soldier killed in Afghanistan.Video:
 SUV Strikes Car, Killing 2 Men Near KittanningVideo: Friends Remember Robert V. GirdanoA sport utility vehicle struck oncoming car shortly after 5 p.m. on Route 28/66 near Snyderville Road. State police said a 16-year-old girl lost control of a full-size SUV and somehow left the northbound lane, striking an embankment and crossing into the southbound lane, hitting a car on the passenger side."(The SUV) traveled off the roadway toward the grassy area, came back onto the roadway, crossed into the southbound lane," state police Cpl. Samuel Vicari said.The car's driver, William J. Weiler Jr., of Mars, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the car, Robert V. Girdano, 52, of Apollo, was taken to Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.The teenaged girl was wearing her seat belt and was hospitalized for what state police said were moderate injuries.State police said neither man was wearing a seat belt. The cause of the crash remained under investigation. It was not known Saturday night whether the teenager could face any charges.Pictures Of Father, Son Adorn War MemorialPictures of Girdano and his son were placed beneath a war memorial in Westmoreland County that bears Second Lt. Michael Girdano's name Sunday, WTAE Channel 4's Ashlie Hardway reported.The Girdano family endured an emotional funeral for the 23-year-old soldier killed while serving in Afghanistan on Aug. 1, 2008.Bob Girdano, as he was known, walked across Pennsylvania last year with 13 others to honor his son."Bob's wife, Cindy, just losing Michael about 14 months ago, now losing her husband, Bob, just yesterday is a tragedy for her and for all of us. Bob is going to be well missed," said Al Pulice, director of the Pennsylvania Hero Walk. "He sensed that he knew he'd be with his son again."Friends said Bob Girdano is with Michael, which is comforting, but hard to cope for Cindy Girdano."She said, 'Boy, that guy's going to, Bob's going to get to see Michael before me.' So, it was emotional," Pulice said. "Bob was a quiet but emotional, but genuinely a kind fellow."Organizers of next year's Pennsylvania Heroes Walk told Channel 4 Action News that they will dedicate a special ceremony to Bob Girdano.Refresh ThePittsburghChannel.com often and watch Channel 4 Action News for the latest updates.
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