CT's oldest CPA refuses to retire

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) -- An accountant saw two of his daughters retire, but he's still cranking out tax returns. His co-workers say 91-year-old Jim Giordano is the oldest CPA in the state.

James Giordano boasts serving in World War II, and since 1945 he's served as an accountant.

"It was the only thing I was really adept to and wanted to do," said Giordano, "and I loved it"

Even though he's kept at this for nearly 50 years, he still considers it work, dreading the tax season just like anyone else.

"The heavy season we don't look forward to," Giordano said, "and then it's great, we go on vacation."

Looking at his daughter Diane Mayo he said, "we'll go do a little work. Yup."

They work together in Fairfield and help about 150 clients get returns done.

"My sister and I are retired from our work, but my dad, we won't let him retire," Mayo said.

She was a teacher for years and spends her retirement helping dad.

"He loves the people that he's working with," Mayo said, "and it's good for his mind and he keeps himself going."

He kept his own business for several years, right down the road, but when he turned 90, he didn't want to slow down, but he decided to join a group.

"I would tell any youngin' aspiring accountant get in with a big firm," said Giordano.

He's now working with Knight, Rolleri Shephard in Fairfield.

He started work at age 11 as a paper boy in 1932. Over the years, he kept up with tax code, his clients, and computer.

He says there's only one thing that would send him into retirement.

"Probably my health, yes that would, but other than that I'll keep going," said Giordano.

That's good news for his clients who keep coming. He says it's because they're really not business associates, but his friends.