Arthur L. Giard

Palmer – Arthur L. Giard, 82, of Palmer, died on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Baystate Medical Center. His obituary is written in his own words.

“I was born on August 2, 1942, son of Herve J. Giard, Sr. and Blanche M. (LaCroix) Giard. I attended Mount Carmel Parochial School, Springfield Trade School, and Ware High Schools. I served as an altar boy and member of Troop 281 Boy Scouts.

I enlisted in the Marine Corps for four years. First as an M.P. with Hdqtrs. 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines and as an infantry corporal with the 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division in North Carolina, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean Seas.

I enlisted in the U.S. Army for 3 years serving with 3 Sqdn. 12th Cavalry, 3rd Armored Division in Europe as a SSgt. section leader in armored reconnaissance.

In 1967, I re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam as an infantry sergeant with the 3rd Bn. 9th Marines, 3rd division. Near the village of Cam Lo, just south of the demilitarized zone, I was seriously wounded by gunfire and eventually evacuated to Chelsea Massachusetts Naval Hospital. After over a year of rehabilitation, I medically retired from the Marine Corps.

In 1970, I began a new chapter in my life I gained employment with the U.S. Post Office. I worked as a clerk-carrier and acting supervisor at the Palmer Post Office and did a tour as Officer in Charge at the Brimfield Post Office. I retired after nearly 33 years with the postal service and 9 years of military service.

I was a member of the American Legion Post 123, Marine Corps League, and the Disabled American Veterans.

Besides my parents, I was predeceased by my brothers, Robert (1929-2007), Herve, Jr. (1931-2003), Bernard (1934-1997), and Roland (1948-2004). Also, my sister Annette (1937-2008) and with whom I shared the same birthday 5 years apart. I am survived by my brother, Ernest “Coco” Giard who was born in 1939.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, [P.O. Box 111, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148, or online at www.stjude.org ], the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, [516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or online at www.shrinerschildrens.org ], or Tunnel to Towers, [online at www.t2t.org ], and to all my fellow veterans. Semper Fi because lest we forget.

Last but most important, I leave my wife Sandra Lavallee Giard and my daughter Susan Marie Russian (Michael) of Naples, Maine. One is my honey and the other my sweet pea. The two of you were the rock I leaned on. I will love you both always and always. Love always honey / dad.”

A Funeral Service with Military Honors for Arthur will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:30am in Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 11:30am prior to the service. Burial will be held privately in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

An online tribute book is available at charbonneaufh.com