OBITUARY: Howard “Tad” Giroux, 89

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Howard (Tad) Giroux, age 89, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2023.

Tad was born on January 13, 1934, in Boston, MA; he was the son of the late Mary (Powers) Giroux and Howard E. Giroux. Tad was raised in Charlestown and Medford, graduating from Medford High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps. as a Marine Diver, honorably discharging in 1956. After the Corps., Tad settled in Wilmington, and called the town home for over 50 years.

Tad was the beloved husband of the late Jeanne (Fenlon) Giroux, proudly sharing 63 years of unconditional love. Tad met the love of his life Jeanne in 1954 on a blind date while Tad was in the Marine Corps. and Jeanne was in Nursing School. After writing many love letters, Jeanne and Tad went on to marry in 1956 at St. Williams Church in Tewksbury and the two were inseparable ever since that day.

During their years of raising six children, they became known in town for their backyard swimming pool – an oasis enjoyed by hundreds over the years. The Giroux family would open their doors to anyone and enjoyed hosting friends, family and neighbors.

Tad was a Pressman at the Boston Globe, a career he enjoyed immensely. He worked tireless hours to ensure the Boston area had their daily paper, eventually encouraging two of his sons to join him as “Globies.”

While Tad will be remembered for his work ethic and love for his career, he will be most remembered as “Grampa” to his grandchildren. Tad and Jeanne were staples on the fields, courts and rinks, never missing one of their grandchildren’s games. They were most proud of the loving and selfless family they created and the memories shared by all. Tad enjoyed sharing his stories and became well-known for his descriptive accounts and life-well-lived.

Tad’s nearest-and-dearest was his oldest son Kevin, the center and Patriarch of the Giroux family for nearly 50 years. Kevin’s silent lessons of treating others with respect and empathy was something valued by all who met the Giroux family, and Tad always made sure Kevin was part of the family memories.

Tad was the devoted father of the late Kevin Giroux, Michele (Giroux) Higgs & her husband Steve of Bradenton, FL, Robin (Giroux) Demps & her husband Ken of Waterford, MI, Lisa (Giroux) Bozzella & her husband Michael, Eddie Giroux & his wife Brenda and John Giroux & his wife Carolyn, all of Wilmington. Loving “Grampa” of Michael, Brianne & Jesse, Devin, the late Josh, the late Ryan Mary & Nolan, Chad & Shelby, Patrick, Joey, Shawn & Steven, Kelly, Michaela & Madisyn and Steve & Kristen.

Tad had a loving extended family, including his cousin Candace (Giroux) Booker, the Fenlon and Mutchler families, and many devoted neighbors and friends who became a special family over the years. Tad was a devout member of St. Thomas Church, being known for sitting up front with Jeanne and Kevin and greeting fellow Parishioners after Mass.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Monday, May 15th from 9:30-11:30 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 12:00 noon.  Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to New England Pediatric Care, 78 Boston Rd, North Billerica, MA 01862, or Special Olympics of Massachusetts, 36 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.