Linda Ilardi

Originally from Michigan, Linda moved with her family to Largo, Florida, when she was 10 years of age. Linda earned her bachelor’s degree in math from Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College), and her master’s degree in educational research and statistics from Florida State University (FSU). It was there at FSU that Linda met her husband of 52 years, Col Richard C. “Rick” Ilardi, USAF (Retired).

For the 35 years of Rick’s Air Force career and for all of their married life, Linda was the wind beneath his wings and the love of his life. As a military wife, Linda, Rick, and their eventual four children lived in a number of places in the states and in England. Illuminating every step of the way were Linda’s scintillating spirit and smile, her brilliant mind and quick wit, and, above all, her servant’s heart and unconditional love for her family, friends, and any others who were lucky enough to get to know her. She had a sweetness about her that nothing could dim.

Wife, mother, grandmother—sister, aunt, mentor—mathematician, teacher, financier—bridge expert, culinary master, puzzle guru—through these facets and more Linda exuded such beauty and grace, wisdom and fun, patience and strength…our family’s world will never be as bright again without her in it. We’ll hear Simon and Garfunkel and think of her. We’ll play card games or board games or pool and laugh like she would’ve laughed along with us. We’ll visit Outer Banks again and choke up when reflecting on how much she loved vacationing there. We’ll make ham biscuits or Chicken Parmesan or the Thanksgiving meal, and….

Left to cherish her memory along with Rick are their four children, Dr. Steve Ilardi, his wife, Maria, and their daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Joe; Melissa Ilardi Bounds, her husband, Dave, and their children Katie, Maddie, Jonah, Ellie, and Nathan; Jeff Ilardi, his wife, Nadia, and their children Stefa, Katherine, and Nikolai; and Tim Ilardi and his children Grayson and Emery; along with Linda’s brother, Mike Dumas, his wife, Marilyn, their daughter, Kathey, their son, Kris, and their grandchildren Lucas and Avery.

A visitation for Linda will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Parklawn Wood Funeral Home (2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA). A celebration of life service will begin at 1:00 PM, with an interment to follow the service. A reception will be held at 3:00 PM at Peninsula Community Chapel in Yorktown, Va.

Memorial contributions may be made in Linda’s name to Peninsula Community Chapel in Yorktown, Virginia, where she was a member.