Albert J. Girard

Albert J. Girard, 91, passed away on May 3, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Providence, the son of Anna M. (Donovan) and Albert Girard.  He is survived by Madelyn M. Girard of Wakefield, RI, and their children Patricia A. McGowan and her husband James of Matunuck, RI, Geraldine and her husband Judge Michael Higgins also of Matunuck, Albert J. Girard, Jr. and his wife Katarina of Newport, RI, his best friend Callie Smith, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Jeanne M. Robinson and granddaughter Tara Higgins

He served in the US Coast Guard the latter part of World War II, was employed by Grinnell Fire Protection Co., a division of Tyco Labs for 49 years, retiring in 1997.  He was District General Manager of the Fire Protection Sales, Instillation and Service in the New England Area, with offices in Boston, Ma, Hartford, Ct, Portland, Me and Cranston, RI.  At the end of his service with Grinnell he was in charge of designing and installing new Fire Protection Systems overseas for the Marriott Corporation in the large existing hotels they had purchased in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cairo, Egypt.

 He was also an avid sailor with membership in the Barrington Yacht Club for 48 years.  He was also a member of the Newport Yacht club, The Off Soundings Club, NBYA and the Twenty Hundreds Sailing Clubs.  He sailed with an all Barrington Yacht Club Crew in the first Cruising Race from Marion MA to Bermuda in 1977 and again in 1979 and 1981.  In 1977 placed 4th in Class “C” with 20 starters, 1st in the Pearson 36 class, 16th out of 86 Yachts to finish.  In 1979 placed 3rd in Class “C” with 20 starters, again the 1st Pearson 36 to finish and 20th out of 112 yachts that finished.  In 1981 was 5th out of 20 in Class “D”.  As a member of the CT. Of Soundings Club for 45 years he sailed in many 2 day races in the Spring off Block Island, RI and in the Fall off Long Island, NY.  In the Spring of 2012 off Block Island with his son as Captain of his 37 ft. “Venture” they took first place in the division for the 2 days of racing.  This was his last Sailboat race. 

There will be calling hours on Tuesday from 9 to 10 AM in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home 398 Willett Avenue Riverside with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Martha’s Church Pawtucket Avenue East Providence with Burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Hope & Hospice Care of RI 1085 North Main Street Providence 02904 in memory of his Granddaughter, Tara Higgins.

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