Frank J. Girard

Frank J. Girard, age 98, of Livonia, Michigan passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023. He was born in Riverside, Ontario, Canada on March 20, 1925, and he was 8 when his family moved to Detroit. Beloved husband of 38 years to the late Dorothy “Dot” Girard. Loving father to Craig (Mary Jo), Mary Christine “Kris” (Karl) Esch, Keith (Laurie), Michele (Larry) Hollens, Mark (Susan), Matthew (Karen Schneider), and Lynn (Leo) Wall. Dear grandfather to Gretchen, Jeff, Heidi, Dayna, Whitney, Megan, Bryan, Dru, Ashley, Adam, Kym, Tyler, Kayli, Bret, and Annalise. Dearest great grandfather to 25. Loving brother to Senior Deacon Rev. Lawrence (the late Jean) Girard. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Frank is preceded in death by his parents William and Marie Girard, his late siblings Patricia (Joe), Donna (Jim), Lois (Erwin), his granddaughter Marie, and his great grandchildren Ivy and Emily.

Frank was a beloved figure in our community serving his church as an usher and the fraternal organizations the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. A proud WWII D-Day veteran leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, and a love for life. After courageously serving his country during World War II, he pursued his academic dreams at the University of Detroit, where he studied accounting.

Frank applied the same dedication and discipline to his education and work as he did to his military service. He was employed by the State of Michigan as a field audit supervisor. In addition to this, after college he had his own accounting business and worked until his early 90’s.

Frank's zest for life was infectious and he had a passion for music. He was a talented piano player, bringing family and friends together around the piano to sing along as he played. Dancing, especially the jitterbug with his beloved wife Dot, brought him immense joy. Golf was another passion, taking him on adventures to courses across the country. He cherished time on the lake at his cottage, and even had a blast waterskiing at 70. An avid sportsman, he found joy in athletic activities, always embracing the competitive spirit.

Frank was also renowned for his sharp wit and humor. He had a knack for making people smile and was considered a big jokester by those who knew him. His laughter was a gift that brightened the lives of many.

In his quieter moments, Frank enjoyed listening to music and singing along to the lyrics, birdwatching and nurturing his garden, finding solace in the beauty of nature. He was a skilled cook, delighting family and friends with his culinary creations.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, as a tribute to Frank's lifelong commitment to helping others.

Frank J. Girard will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, laughter, and love for life will continue to inspire and bring joy to those he leaves behind. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Girard family.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 20th 11:00 AM (In state 10:00 AM) at St. Sebastian Church (St. Maria Goretti), 3965 Merrick, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125. A committal service to be held at 12:30 PM in the chapel at St. Hedwig Cemetery, 23755 Military Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.