LEICESTER: Ronald J. Giard 80, of 23 Sunset Dr., died Monday, April 23 at his home.
He leaves his wife of 55 years, Jane M. (Bouley) Giard, two sons Daniel J. Giard and his wife Betsy of Lunenberg, and Ronald P. Giard and his wife Doreen of Whitinsville, two daughters Michele J. Hanly and her husband John of Old Saybrook, Ct., and Theresa M. Giard-Turcotte and her husband Rick of Millbury, 21 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son Edmourd A. Giard in 1988, his twin brother Donald A. Giard in 1997 and his grandson Michael E. Giard in 2006.
Born in Ware, he was the son of Edmourd J. and Alice A. (Decoteau) Giard. He later graduated from David Prouty High School in Spencer, earned an undergraduate degree from Assumption College in Worcester, attended Boston University, Clark University and received a graduate degree in Social Work. He was an instructor for the Univ. of Conn., Boston Univ. and the Univ. of Ottawa.
Ron served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army.
He started his career as a Family Counselor for the Archdiocese of New York and Archdiocese of Hartford. He became Director of Family Counseling for Catholic Charities in Worcester for 32 years, retiring in 1993.
He also established a private family counseling practice in Worcester in 1971 and continued practicing part time in Worcester and Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish in Spencer until 2009.
He was Past President of the Central Mass. Chapter of Social Work and Vice President of the Mass. Chapter of Social Work. He was Chairman of the Advisory Board in Leicester and first Chairman of the Personnel Board in the Town. He taught CCD and was on several Ecumenical Committees. He served 20 years on the Board of the St. Francis Home, as well as the Dept. of Social Services in Southern Worcester County. He was an administrative consultant to Mount St. Ann’s, Crozier House, the Board of Assumption College Alumni, Pernet Family Services Center and Family Services of Central Mass. for many years.
He was a member of St. Joseph-St.Pius X Parish in Leicester.
The family would like to thank the Auburn VNA, UMASS Memorial Hospice and Dr. Michael Galica for their love and compassion.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, April 26 from the MORIN-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a Mass at 10a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main St., Leicester. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer. Calling hours are Wednesday, April 25 from 4 to 7p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, 10 Hammond St., Worcester, Ma. 01610.