Joseph Girardot

Paige, words cannot express how heartbroken I am to hear of Joe´s passing. Joe was responsible for helping me get through law school and launch my career. He was a great partner, a great mentor but an even better friend and human being. I often tell Joe stories when recounting my early career days. You and Joe were such an important part of my life. I am blessed to have known him. I hope you can find some peace and comfort knowing how much he was loved. Frances Suarez

Paige and family....Our hearts are shattered that our dear Joe passed away so suddenly. It seems there are no words!! So much love, laughter and light always!! Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love you beautiful family. Keith and Christy Jeske

I got to know Joe as a fellow real estate attorney in the Decatur area. I rarely met anyone as compassionate, smart, humorous, and engaging as Joe. A few years back, we did some hikes together. His favorite was Blood Mountain. We last hiked it in the snow sometime in January of 2021. He had a great love of nature. Once we reached a peak with a great view, Joe was in a world of bliss. Our conversations on the way to the trailhead were as much fun as the hike. I remember him telling me about his elderly "guard dog" who was more likely to lick and get petted by any potential intruder. We are all better for having known Joe. I will especially remember him the next time I hike Blood Mountain.

Joe was such a supportive friend . He offered advice, encouragement and work opportunities. I enjoyed our chats. He was laidback and had a good work- life balance. He truly adored Paige and his children. A proud Father and devoted Husband. He will me missed , but he leaves many fond memories to his friends and his enduring love to his family.

Hello, Paige from Melita (in Italy where I live with my husband, Paolo). I am so terribly sorry to hear this sad news about your husband, Joe. I periodically keep in touch with Jerry Purvis after all these years and I am grateful to him for letting me know. I know he is just "gutted". I can't even begin to imagine how difficult these past days have been for you and how much pain you and your children must be in right now. I pray that you all find your way through these next challenging days and that one day soon you will all arrive to a place of peace and acceptance. Over the years, I've heard from Jerry about your amazing and full lives. It is just wonderful reading about Joe. What a great guy he was. I am sure Jerry will be a great support to you as you both figure out how to move on without Joe in your lives on earth. As a believer in reincarnation, I like the idea of Joe still being present in your life and your children's lives somehow. Maybe that thought can be of some comfort to you. Alot of twists and turns our lives have taken from those seemingly carefree days in Athens. Warmly, Melita

What a tremendous person Joe was! I knew him for many decades as a friend, counselor and lawyer who assisted me in many of my own law cases.

I had come to know Joe's brother Jim in my first years at UGA when he was my roommate in the dorm.

Years later I came to know Joe personally. He was a fine person. I never saw his do any ignoble act or speak any ignoble word.

I know Joe's death must be devastating for Paige, Jim and the rest of his family. I can hardly imagine the impact of the loss of such an extraordinarily wonderful person.

I give my sincerest condolences to Paige and to his brother Jim.

In the Old Russia (before the Communists seized power) there was a beautiful custom that I was taught as a youngster. The Communists stamped out this custom because of its reference to God.

When one first heard of someone's death, the customary response was "Yemoo Tsarstvoh Nyebyesnoye", "To him the Kingdom of Heaven."

This sentiment could never be more appropriate than for Joe.

To him the Kingdom of Heaven.

Joe was a cherished member of the Atlanta Outdoor Club.
We hd a hiking trip to Zermatt, Switzerland in July 2024.
Here are some photos of the group.
Sharing them is our way to honor his memory.

Dear Paige, children and all who loved and had the obvious joy of knowing Joe. We were not fortunate to know Joe personally but blessed to meet and enjoy our time together at FLETC with Paige the last couple years. Just experiencing her tender personality and sharing her love of this beautiful area they chose to retire to and enjoy well deserved retirement joy. Our most sincere condolences to Paige, children and family.
Sincerely,
Carol /Craig Plumer

I was lucky enough to know Paige & Joe during our childrens' high school PTA days in Atlanta. They were always hard workers and FUN to be around. Also, I got to know Joe through his law practice and even ran a few titles for him over the years. He was a class act, smart and honest to the core. This was shocking and sad news; I pray Paige and the kids, who are not kids anymore, find serenity and can celebrate his well lived life.

Joe was a true scholar and gentlemen. His quick smile and witty words will be missed!

Joe was a great guy! I had the pleasure of cruising with Joe and Paige shortly before this tragedy. We had so much fun together. My condolences and prayers for you to heal from this loss .

Very very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. As his obituary lovingly showed, he was a Renaissance man. My sincere condolences to Paige and their children.

Sending a million hugs! Joe will always be a very happy memory in my life. We love y´all
Gretchen and Bruce

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Paige & family. Joe will truly missed
Mary Moore

Joe's smile was contagious.

Joe was a guy I would see at Elyse Defoor´s (sister-in-law) parties. At one such party, we were the door bouncers together. He was so fun and funny and that kind of chill personality that everyone appreciates. Having read his obituary, seems fitting his last day was spent on an epic nature-soaked adventure with his beloved wife Paige. Rest well Joe. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends

May your intense grief be short, and your enjoyment of warm memories be long and deep. My wish for you is that each breeze on your face remind you of the joy Joe took in the outdoors. My prayer is when you need to feel close to him, you can step outside and feel his presence. God bless you all.

Sending my heartfelt prayers to Paige, the children and the entire family at this time.