Donald R. Girouard

Donald R. Girouard, 87, of Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, January 12, 2025, in his home surrounded by his family after a long illness.

Born in Gardner on October 20, 1937, he was the son of the late George and Yvonne (Charland) Girouard. He graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1955. Donald was a United States Navy Veteran serving active duty from 1955 to 1958 and in the reserves until 1963. He was a delivery truck driver employed by Wonder Bread for 30 years until his retirement in 1997. He was previously employed by Simplex Time Recorder. Donald also worked as a Gardner Municipal Golf Course ranger, umpire, referee and worked at the election polls for the city. 

Donald was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at its Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. He was a member of the Napolean Club and a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 396, both of Gardner. Donald enjoyed playing softball, ice hockey, bowling, golf, making puzzles, trips to Foxwoods, watching western movies and going for walks. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Boston Bruins and Red Sox. He was the epitome of family man, and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who loved and cherished time with his family.

Donald is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary B. (Gaidanowicz) Girouard of Gardner; two daughters, Cynthia A. Lajoie and her husband Timothy of Gardner, and Catherine J. Favreau and her husband Donald of Templeton; one son, Thomas R. Girouard and his wife Donna of Ashburnham; seven grandchildren, Stacey and Stephen Lajoie, Sara Grow, Shane and Scott Favreau, Haley Cefole and Alyssa Girouard; seven great-grandchildren, James Lajoie, Skylar and Daxton Grow, Winry and Bryce Favreau, Luca Favreau, and Elsie Cefole; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his sister, Jeannine Mailloux.

Graveside Services at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA, will be private and held at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or on their website at (www.alz.org) or to Care Central VNA and Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Donald R. Girouard.