Michael J. Girard, 74

CHESHIRE, Mass. —  Mr. Michael James Girard, 74, of Windsor Locks, CT, a native of Adams, MA and former resident of Cheshire, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, December 17, 2024 at UCONN John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, CT, following a bout with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born in Adams MA on June 7, 1950, the son of the late John A. and Carmen M. (LaFramboise) Girard.

In his youth, Michael was an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Cheshire and was a Boy Scout. A graduate of St. Joseph High School in Pittsfield, Michael received technical training in the GE Apprentice Program, studied at Berkshire Community College, and at UMASS-Amherst. Michael launched his career as a mechanical designer at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks. His career included Litton Laser Systems and Triumph Engine Controls. He enjoyed playing the drums, golfing, snorkeling, carpentry projects around his home, and geology.

He is survived by his devoted wife, the former Virginia M. Sawyer, whom he married on February 14, 1996; his cousin Jane Girard, whose cookout invitation reunited Michael and Virginia, who were classmates at Cheshire School; his brother- and sister-in-law, Frederick and Donna Sawyer of Savoy; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews from the Sawyer family. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Carmen Girard, his brother, Jack Girard, and a brother-in-law, Edward A. Sawyer.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 28th at 11:00 AM in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 25 Hoosac St. Adams, MA. Burial will take place in the Spring in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, MA are Friday, Dec. 27th, from 4 to 6 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Wildlife Federation, PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583; the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104.

To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com