Giroux Glass Inc. is heartbroken to announce the loss of Thomas Santiago Taitano, their esteemed and longtime colleague in Las Vegas. Taitano died unexpectedly on April 13, at the age of 53.
In 2003, as a recent arrival from Guam, Thomas was one of the first few employees hired to launch Giroux Glass’ expansion into Nevada. He was hired as an estimator by Stephanie Lamb, and was thrilled with the opportunity to be part of the company’s exciting entry into Las Vegas. He brought with him his warm charisma, smile, strong work ethic and can-do attitude.
Over his 19-year career with the company, Taitano contributed successfully to hundreds of projects that shaped the local glazing landscape, including such recent notable landmarks as Pechanga Resort Casino, Resorts World Las Vegas and MSG Sphere at The Venetian.
Taitano, as senior estimator, reported to preconstruction executive, Daniel Rodriguez, who says, “Thomas had an impressive engineering mind; there was no project too large, too small, or too complex for him to figure out. He was a true team player, one upon whom we could always count on to get a job done, and to know the answer. Not only did we develop a great working relationship over the past 15 years, we were also close friends outside of work, and shared many great memories with each other’s families. He brought to the office a positive energy and his one-of-a-kind sense of humor. To say he was ‘unique’ is an understatement. Words cannot express just how much he will be missed.”
Vice president of Nevada operations, Greg Wright, adds, “Our close-knit team is devastated over our loss. Thomas was not only a long-time partner, he was a member of our Giroux family and a true friend. Tom provided so many years of dedicated service to our company. With his 30-plus years of experience in glass and glazing, over the years, Thomas has mentored and shared his vast knowledge and experience with our entire team. Tom brought so much laughter, love, and joy to all of us, along with his skills and dedicated work ethic. It will never be the same without our Thomas—but Giroux will continue to succeed and to keep Thomas’ memory alive in our hearts and souls. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Nataline Lomedico, CEO and president, says, “As employee owners, we will be forever grateful for Thomas’ loyalty and his contributions to the success of Giroux Glass.” The Giroux Glass multi-office collaboration process ensures that the team is well trained and prepared to carry forward Thomas’ work ethic and expertise.
Taitano is survived throughout the U.S. and Guam by his mother and aunt, ten siblings, and seven children. For anyone interested in supporting his family a GoFundMe account has been set up in his name.
