Gerald N. Girard, 77, of Fairhaven passed away Tuesday August 17, 2021 after a brief illness. He was the husband of Stephanie M. (Arruda) Girard.
Born in New Bedford, the son of Nelson A. Girard and the late Mildred (LeBlanc) Girard, he was raised in Acushnet and lived in Fairhaven for most of his life. He enjoyed spending his childhood on the family farm in Acushnet.
Gerry was formerly employed by Rodney Metals for many years until his retirement.
During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a longtime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a former board member of St. Anthony of New Bedford Federal Credit Union. He enjoyed cooking, playing games on his computer, and traveling, especially to Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by his children, Lisa K. Parent and her husband Bruce, and Matthew G. Girard; his sisters, Janice Ouimet and her husband Charles, and Julie Marchetti and her husband Michael; five grandchildren, Ashlee, Kate, Jack, Andrew, and Michaela; seven great-grandchildren; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Natalie Arruda; several Godchildren, including Nevaeh and Mariah; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Max.
He was the father of the late Gregory Girard.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday August 23, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, Acushnet. Visitation will be held on Monday morning from 8-9:30 AM prior to the Mass at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.