Ronald E. Girard's Obituary
Ronald E. Girard, 76, formerly of Salem, NH passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, following years of declining health. He was surrounded by his devoted wife and family at Hannah Duston Healthcare Center in Haverhill, MA . He was the son of the late Ernest and Jeannette Girard. Ronald grew up in Lawrence MA, graduating from Central Catholic High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College in 1969. He started his career as a history teacher before transitioning to bakery services and then the retail industry. He concluded his career in the banking sector.
Music was his lifelong passion. He started singing and playing trumpet at an early age and began performing live music while still in high school. As a college student, he began performing with his band, the Foremost One, which continued as a commercial band for over a decade. Later in life, he was a member of the church choir at Saints Mary and Joseph Parish in Salem NH for more over 25 years. He was an avid Boston sports fan his whole life, especially the Boston Celtics, and never missed a Red Sox game. His leisure time was spent reading and watching Fox News. Above all else, Ron loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and attending family events from weddings, cookouts, graduations, birthdays, and holidays. He will be dearly missed by all of his beloved family and friends.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nancy (Kalitka) Girard; daughter, Michelle, and her husband, Derek Reina, of Salem NH; daughter, Kimberly Girard, of Lawrence MA; son, Matthew Girard, of Lawrence MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Madison and Zachary Reina, of Salem NH.
The family would like to recognize the exceptional love and care he received at Hannah Duston Healthcare Center.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Ronald’s life by gathering for his calling hours from 3:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 7, 2023 at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem, NH. Donations can be made in Ronald’s memory to the Neely House for cancer care at https://camneelyfoundation.org/donate/. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Girard Family.
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