Mr. Giordano is believed to be the first to apply mass-production techniques to reduce the cost of manufacturing room air conditioners. “He developed room air conditioner units that were compact, easily installed, and able to supply adequate cooling for typical household needs while operating on ordinary, 115-V household current,” according to Fedders.

Born to Italian immigrants in Brooklyn on Sept. 17, 1910, he left high school to help support his family. Starting in an unskilled job at a handbag-frame factory in 1927, he became responsible for plant production within three years. Named president of Fedders’ predecessor company (F.J. Quigan Co.) in 1942, he was elected a director of Fedders Corp. in 1945 and chairman in 1952. He served as CEO from 1945 to 1988. In 2001, Mr. Giordano was named chairman emeritus.

In 1974, Mr. Giordano received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Widener University, Chester, Pa. He was a trustee of Widener University and its predecessor, Pennsylvania Military College.

Mr. Giordano is survived by his wife, Carmela; two sons, Joseph (Charlotte) and Salvatore Jr. (Anne); two sisters, nine grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bernardsville First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 745, Bernardsville, N.J. 07924; 908-766-6625.

Publication date: 03/17/2003