SPRINGFIELD – Albert J. "Al" Giroux, 95, of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 31, 2024 in the company of his son and daughter and his two chocolate Labrador Retrievers. He was born Jean-Louis Albert Giroux, at home in the Willimansett section of Chicopee on July 15, 1929, the youngest of nine children of the late Alphonse and Adiana (Thibodeau) Giroux. He moved to Springfield with his family at the age of 11, graduated from Cathedral High School, and lived in Springfield for most of his life. He served his country in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War and attained the rank of Engineman Petty Officer 2nd Class. Al had a strong work ethic and started working at the age of 13 at Fulton's Market where he learned his trade as a butcher which led to becoming the longtime Manager of the Meat Department at Stop & Shop at the Liberty Plaza in Springfield. Albert also enjoyed fixing things (everything by himself) and used his many carpentry, electrical, and plumbing skills to help his son Rob build a beautiful log cabin on Lake Sacandaga in the Adirondacks. He was a gregarious man with a natural ability to make anyone and everyone feel welcome in his home. Albert's outgoing and friendly nature led him to forge connections with people wherever he went and he will be dearly missed. He certainly had a long and meaningful life and was grateful for his many blessings in life. He was a communicant of the former Our Lady of Hope Church in Springfield. Al was a hard working man who was truly devoted to his family and was very proud of his French heritage. He was predeceased by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife, Therese (Berard) Giroux; his beloved son, Stephen Albert Giroux; and his dear brothers and sisters, Cosette, Janet, Cecile, Lucille, Estelle, Paul, Claire, and Yvette with whom through our faith he is now reunited with in Heaven. He leaves his two loving and devoted children, Lynn A. Bouteillier of Brimfield and Robert P. Giroux of Springfield who was Al's constant advocate and caregiver who was by his father's side tirelessly over the last years of his dad's life. He was also a revered grandfather affectionately known as "Pepere" and "P" to his three cherished grandchildren, Kailyn T. Giroux, Matthieu C. Bouteillier, and Thomas A. Bouteillier, who never grew tired of listening to and very much appreciated their grandfather's irreverent sense of humor during their lively discussions at many Sunday family gatherings. He also leaves his extended family including Patrick, Emilie, and Margaux Bouteillier, all of France, his devoted niece, Marilyn Martel of Rehoboth, and his many other dear nieces and nephews, and Karen (Shanahan) Braica of Springfield who always listened patiently (and endured) his many jokes. Albert's outgoing and friendly nature led him to forge connections with people wherever he went and he will be dearly missed. He certainly had a meaningful life and was grateful for his many blessings. A special thank you to Dr. Joan Lisak and Dr. George Fares who were his longtime allies, his friends at Wendy's who made him smile every single morning, and finally to the devoted nurses and staff at the D'Amour Cancer Center, whose outstanding kindness made him forget why he was there! His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. before the Mass. His Committal Service with United States Coast Guard Military Honors will follow the Mass at Saint Michael Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In honor of Albert's niece, Sister Diane Gaudet, SSJ, memorial donations may be made in Al's memory to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com