Turners Falls, MA – Donald H. Girard, 95, of 76 Dell St. Turners Falls, MA, passed away peacefully on September 6th, 2026 surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated community service, professional distinction, and deep devotion to his family.
Donald was born on September 25, 1930 to Eugene T. and Rose A. (Desautels) Girard. A life-long resident of Turners Falls and a 1948 graduate of Turners Falls High School, Donald went on to build an extraordinary career in banking spanning over five decades. He was further educated at the American Institute of Banking and the School of Special Studies (Saving Bank Association of Mass.), becoming licensed by the State of Massachusetts to sell Savings Bank Life Insurance and Annuities, and heading operations for Individual Retirement Accounts until his retirement.
Donald began his career in March 1950 as a teller and bookkeeper for Crocker Institution for Savings in Turners Falls. Following the 1967 merger between Crocker Institution for Savings and Greenfield Savings Bank, Donald served in key leadership roles, including Head Teller, Assistant Treasurer, Manager of the Turners Falls Office, and Assistant Vice President in the mortgage department. By 1995, he celebrated 50 years of combined service to Crocker and GSB. Even after retiring, he continued to serve as a Corporator and conduct house and new construction loan inspections, reaching 55 years of service with the bank in 2005.
Donald’s devotion to his hometown was evident through his extensive public and civic service. He served on the Board of Directors for the Shea Theater and was a Corporator of the former Farren Memorial Hospital. His civic contributions to the Town of Montague included serving as a Trustee of Soldiers Memorial, a member of the Montague Economic Task Force, the Town of Montague 250th Parade Committee, the Peskeomskut Park Design Committee, the Montague School Committee, and EDIC Town of Montague.
An active participant in community organizations, Donald was a Past President of the Turners Falls Rotary Club, Past Treasurer of the Turners Falls Salvation Army, an Honorary Member of the Marine Corps League of Bernardston, and a member of Elks Lodge 2521 in Montague.
Musically inclined and passionate about local fellowship, Donald was a past manager and member of the Turners Falls Military Band, an active member and 3-year President of the Melha Shriners Military Band in Springfield, Mass., a Charter Member of the Thomas Memorial Golf and Country Club (as well as a life-long golfer), and a Life Member of the Turners Falls Knights of Columbus.
Donald was a proud alumnus of Turners Falls High School, Class of 1948. Having served as class vice president, he went on to organize his class reunions for the next seven decades. Over the years, he remained an enthusiastic supporter of local music, theater, and athletic programs, particularly enjoying games featuring his children and grandchildren. A lifelong Boston sports fan, he held a special passion for the Red Sox and the Patriots.
As a proud family and town historian until his death, he was frequently seen touring Turners Falls-the community he loved deeply-visiting friends, and supporting local businesses from his famous, patriotic-themed golf cart.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Paula (Lucier) Girard of 40 years. Donald was a proud father to his children: James M. Girard of Mashpee; Donna J. Girard of Erving; Lynn M. (Ted) Wasielewski of Montague; and Gerald C. (Lisa) Girard of Monson. He was also survived by his stepchildren: R. Douglas (Susan) Stanclift, Kelly (Gary) Savory, Paula Hudon, Jane Ingalls; and predeceased Sherry Margeson.
He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 13 step-great grandchildren, as well as many extended family members, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Eugene and Rose Girard, and his siblings Wallace Girard, Charles Girard, Pearl Pearson, and Ernestine Hilliard.
Funeral Services will be observed on Saturday, September 12, 2026 @ 11:00AM, from the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 14 Prospect Street, Turners Falls, MA, with Marguerite Noga, Pastoral Minister of Our Lady of Peace Church, Turners Falls, MA to officiate. Interment services to follow in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Turners Falls, MA. Don’s family will receive guests from 10:00AM until the time of the services. A reception will be announced prior to the processional to the cemetery for interment services.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Donald may donate to TFHS music and theater department at 222 Turnpike Rd., Montague MA 01351; or the Montague Elks at B.P.O. 2521 1 Elks Ave, Turners Falls MA 01376. McCarthy Funeral Homes of Greenfield and Turners Falls, MA, entrusted with the services. Remembrances may be directed to Don’s Tribute Wall @ www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes