Philly’s retired prison chief reflects, 10 years after
Photos Courtesy of Lou Giorla
Lou Giorla, my grandfather, is now entering his 10th year of retirement. When we sat down to talk for this post, I pulled up an article written about him in The Philadelphia Inquirer. His first reaction was, “How did you find this? I never told you guys about this.” That made sense, because I only found it while Googling him many years ago. Revisiting the article seemed, important, since it was written two weeks before he retired, and I know that in the past 10 years, his life has immensely changed. Through our conversation, I used this previous interview to guide me through his life shifts in retirement, and to see how much his work has stayed with him.
Lou’s most notable position was as the Commissioner for the Philadelphia Prisons from 2008-2015, however, that was never his dream. He owned and operated a lunch truck in South Philly until the economic turmoil of the 1970s led him to pursue a more stable income. “I wish I could’ve run that food truck my entire life. I loved my customers and the rush everyday. But, things don’t always go your way, and the way things went was pretty good too.” In 1982, he started as a corrections officer, a job in which he said he never had an easy day. Lou said that even though by that time he was married and a father of three, he didn't feel like he became “a man” until he started this job. “It was so scary and exciting all at the same time. You have criminals screaming at you one second, then you pass by someone with actual manners that should probably just be in rehab rather than in prison.”
As Lou continued to move up the ranks, he became one of the most reputable men on the job. During his 33 years, but especially in the seven while he was commissioner, Lou made it his mission to make the prisoners at least try to learn something during their time there. Lou said, “They all have people at home worrying about them in there. I know that feeling all too well, so I wanted them to get some sort of ‘good’ in here. I wanted them to learn something, or at least give them something to look forward to in their day-to-day.” According to the Inquirer story, under Lou’s leadership, 82% of inmates were enrolled in educational or vocational programs, a 30% increase from when he started. He fought heavily for depopulation and better conditions in the prisons. He even pleaded for a new facility, but was declined by the mayor’s office. “I can’t say I didn’t try. Not everyone loved me, especially not the guys who were locked up, but it’s a hard task to take on.” Lou’s leadership was admired by his peers, but also by many of those incarcerated. I reminded him of the time I visited him at work. While I was there, one of the prisoner’s who worked in the offices came in to do some housekeeping. She told me that I was lucky to have a grandpa like him. “I remember that,” he said, “but I also remember how you were so nervous that she was allowed to work near us. I think getting to know the prisoners in that way was my favorite part of the job. She was a nice lady who deserved a chance.”
During the past 10 years outside his job with the prison system, Lou has had many ups and downs. As the Inquirer article mentioned, he did get to go to Disney World with his kids and grandkids (which was awesome, from my experience.) In the first few years after retirement, he got to see so much of the world with his wife, Debbie. Their favorite trip was their cruises in Alaska. “I am so grateful to get those opportunities in my later years. It never seemed like it would happen when you’re 30 and can't afford groceries for your three kids.” Lou says the coolest experience so far (in retirement) has been going to the 2018 Super Bowl in Minnesota, which he did with his son, Louie. “It was the first Eagles win and I was so happy to experience it with my son. And I wore my Philly Prisons shirt under my Eagles jersey for a photo op, so now I use that for good luck. It worked this year too!”
In 2016, Lou gained a new granddaughter, Eva. Not long after, Lou and his wife moved to Brigantine (2020) with the hopes of enjoying their retirement down the shore. He didn’t realize what life would have in store for him just one year later. His daughter, Nicole, passed away from an overdose in 2021, leaving Eva to him and Debbie. “I can’t say it’s how I planned it, I mean I am 68 trying to keep up with an eight-year-old, but I am lucky to have her, and lucky to get to have a second chance with my daughter in a way. She reminds me of her mother with every move she makes.” He said his overall goal was to spend more time with family in his later age, and he is grateful to get to do just that. “Now that you all (his grandkids) are all adults, you get to drive here whenever you want. I’m glad to get to see you more and talk to you more. Maybe Eva is the motivator for the visits, but I’ll say it’s because you love your Pop so much.”
Lou’s biggest takeaway from retirement is that life is still fulfilling. He says, “I genuinely believed that when I stopped working, I was good to go. I didn’t expect to live more life now than before.” He reflects on his work as something that he keeps with him everyday, and hopes he was able to take care of people. Lou was even thanked for his services by Pope Francis himself in 2015, right before he retired. “I mean when the Pope tells you that you did good,” Lou jokes, “then maybe it’s time to take a step back, because it doesn’t get better than that.” Though Lou’s activities in retirement are more about running Eva to gymnastics class than relaxing on the beach, he says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I don’t think retirement in full would’ve worked for me. I am happy I am kept busy, rather than being an old schmuck in my recliner all day.”
Lou hasn’t had the easiest road, from working non stop, to retiring, then becoming a parent once more. He is a good example to show that there are still things to learn and experiences to be had in retirement. Once your career comes to an end, it doesn’t mean that it's the finish line. Upon reflecting, Lou finished our conversation by saying, “10 years may seem like a long time to you, but I am glad to hear it’s only been 10. Sometimes, it feels like 50 years and a lifetime since those days when I was working. So thanks, Lyss, for reminding me I am still a young man.”
