Donald U. Girard

SOUTHWICK – Donald “Don” “GiGi” U. Girard, 88, passed away on February 11, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicopee, MA on January 14, 1933 he was the son of the late Arthur A. and Dora (Bonneau) Girard. As a youth, Don delivered the Sunday Republican Newspaper in his neighborhood and enjoyed free hand drawing.
Don graduated from Chicopee High School in the Class of 1952. He then served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War. Once he returned home, he attended the Culinary Institute of America in CT.
Don had also worked as a Sales Representative for the St. Pete Times in FL and the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier, retiring in 2003.
He was a huge fan of football and his teams were the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.
Besides his parents, Don was predeceased by his siblings Leo, Victor and Richard Girard and Doris Maynard. To cherish his memory he leaves, his loving wife Dorothy (Gosciminski) (Messier) Girard of Southwick; his children Todd Girard and Toni Hickey and her husband Patrick all of the Tampa Bay Area in FL; his step-daughter Diane Lombardino; his grandchildren Timothy, Taylor, Rodney, Michael, Julie, Kayleigh, Emily, Jake, Anita and her husband Chris, Aaron and his wife Stacy and Raymond and his wife Beth as well as his 9 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at: Aging at Home, Home Instead and Baystate Hospice for their wonderful care and support. 
Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 1-2 PM at Bethany Assembly of God, 580 Main Street, Agawam with a service being held at 2 PM. Livestreaming will also be available at www.bethany-ag.org
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's memory may be made to Bethany Assembly of God Missions Fund. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com