Daniel Girard

Daniel F. Girard, Sr., 68, a lifelong resident of Worcester, as well as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Dan was born in Worcester, one of six children of Ernest A. and Helen E “Chick” (Daige) Girard. Raised on Grafton Hill, Dan was a graduate of the last high school class of St Stephen’s High School, Class of 1971.  Dan married his high school sweetheart, Maryann Pietro, on September 8, 1973, and spent the next 48 years dedicating his life to his beloved family, friends and community.  Dan was a loyal employee and integral part of the Neles-Jamesbury / Metso Corporation for more than 46 years before retiring in May of 2020.

Dan is survived by what he considered to be his biggest accomplishment in life…his family.  He leaves behind his wife Maryann; his three sons, Daniel F. Girard, Jr and his wife Rebecca of Millbury, Brian P. Girard and his wife Elizabeth of Worcester, and Joseph A. Girard of Los Angeles, California.  “Papa” will also be forever missed by his four grandchildren, of whom he beamed with the utmost pride …  Louisa, Gabriella, Daniel III, and Hudson.  Additionally, he is survived by his loving siblings, James L. Girard and his wife Virginia of Newport Richey, Florida, Gerald G. Girard and his wife Melinda of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Paula M. Quatela and her husband Louis of Worcester, Mary V. Girard and her partner John Ritacco of West Boylston.  Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends including his lifelong friend and neighbor, Jean M. Largess, as well as his constant companion, Bella, will forever feel the loss of Dan.  In addition to his parents, his brother, William J. Girard passed away in 1997.

Dan was an extraordinary and dedicated member of both his work and local community.  He was the Activities Director for Jamesbury Corporation.  This not only entailed organizing countless work and family activities for his company, including yearly company cookouts, and holiday celebrations., but he was an integral part in creating and maintaining a close family work culture within the company.  He also tirelessly and enthusiastically carried on his father’s legacy in many ways, especially through the creation of the annual Ernie Girard Memorial Golf Tournament.  Dan never let a dance floor go empty, loving to show off his dance moves and extensive repertoire of oldies music.  Dan found serenity and joy in fishing and golfing with family and friends.  An avid sports enthusiast and family man, Dan loved nothing more than coaching his sons’ youth sports teams when they were growing up.  More recently, Dan was a constant fixture at his grandchildren’s sports and dance activities, where he could be seen and heard cheering everyone on, offering advice, and coaching from the sidelines.  Dan’s legacy will forever live on through the memories we share of his deep love of family and life, extreme generosity, bright smile and sense of humor.

Friends and relatives are invited to his funeral Mass, Friday, December 31, 2021, at 11:00 am at St Johns Church, 44 Temple Street.  There will be a Celebration of Life following the mass. At the request of the family and as a city mandate, masks will be required at the services for Dan.  There will be no Calling Hours.  Memorial remembrances in Dan’s name can be made to the Hope for H.I.E., care of Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, suite 602, Boston, MA 02215 or http://giving.childrenshospital.org/

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