Mr. Gerald Joseph Girard

Girard, Gerald J. (Jerry), 94, died peacefully on September 24, 2016, at home in Maitland, Florida. Born on September 20, 1922 in Inwood, Long Island, New York, he was the only son of Michael and Anna Girardi. Jerry grew up on Long Island, graduating from Lawrence High School. He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. After the war, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from New York University. Following college, while working for American Airlines at the La Guardia Airport in New York, he met a stewardess, Paula Tanner, who he instantly knew was the love of his life. They married in 1951 in South Bend, Indiana, and moved to Florida, where they started their family in Jacksonville. After their three children were born, they moved to Central Florida where he worked as an auditor for USF&G insurance (now The Travelers Indemnity Company). Jerry’s second job (moonlighting) was playing music professionally. He was one of the founding members of the Jerry Lyons “Big Band.” Jerry played saxophone and clarinet with many small bands, as well as performing at other events, such as London Symphony Orchestra visits, Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethons, Miss Florida Pageants, and the Disney Center Preview Opening. In 1962, he played in the band at the Astronaut’s Party celebrating John Glenn’s historic flight as the first American to orbit the earth. Jerry played musical gigs every New Year’s Eve for over 50 years, beginning with a performance at a Catskill Resort when he was 16. He was also an avid golfer, enjoying many years playing golf with his buddies, as well as instilling a passion for the game in his children. Jerry was a devoted husband, caring father, and dedicated family man. He is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Paula Tanner Girard, and his sisters, Rose Raimondi and Frieda Desibio. He is survived by his sister, Miffie Rizzo, Baldwin NY; by three children: G. Tanner Girard (wife, Suellen), Morrison, IL, Michael Girard, Los Angeles, CA, and Marva Girard, Maitland, FL; three grandchildren: Anne Girard (husband, Matt Danner), Justin Girard (wife, Ashley), and Jaya Girard; plus three great-grandchildren: Evelyn Girardi, Gennaro Girardi, and Leona Danner. Jerry will be interred with his wife at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to a favorite charity or to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. The family looks forward to reading your thoughts or stories about Paula and Jerry on the funeral home website: http://www.baldwinfairchild.com