Joseph Girardot Obituary
In 2020, Joe stepped away from his law practice, and started a new chapter with his beloved wife Paige on St. Simons Island where they enjoyed traveling and watching sunsets from their balcony. He became quite the Renaissance man, learning the piano, becoming an amateur astronomer, picking up a passion for pickle ball, embracing his love of history by becoming a certified historical walking tour guide in Savannah, giving docent tours of historic Christ Church Frederica, and volunteering at the Jekyll Island Foundation. Joe's life was enriched by many introductions into the St. Simons community by his friend Richard Hathaway, who brought him into the cerebral folds of his book club, men's lunch group, and photography club, not to mention sharing many new friends.
Joe passed away suddenly while hiking with his wife in Iceland. He embraced each day as an opportunity to appreciate the outdoors, whether cycling across Georgia, backpacking and rafting the Grand Canyon, exploring glaciers in Switzerland, or just running his cherished dog Phoebe along the marsh. Joe's passion for the outdoors lives on in his children. He will be remembered for his strong morals, curiosity, sense of humor, and quick wit.
Joe is survived by his wife Paige, his two sons Preston and Bennett of Atlanta, and his daughter Madeleine of Abilene, Texas, as well as brothers Norman (Diane) of Bethlehem, Pa., Jim (Nancy) of Atlanta, and Steven (Diane) of Seaside, Fl., sister-in-law Elyse Defoor (Bob), and many nephews, nieces, and grand-nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held for Joe at Christ Church Frederica, St. Simons Island, GA on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception in the church parish hall to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Joe's love of the natural world can be honored with a donation to No Kill Glynn County (https://www.nokillglynncounty.org/ways-to-give.html), Christ Church Frederica (https://onrealm.org/ccfssi/-/form/give/now) , or the Georgia Conservancy (https://georgiaconservancy.org/give/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kim Hanson
September 18, 2025
Paige,
I only knew Joe from the pickleball courts at The Club. He was such a nice gentleman and so fun on the courts. I know he is missed so deeply. You have all been on my heart and in my prayers.
Katie Bales
September 11, 2025
Dear Girardot Family,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Joe seemed like a truly remarkable man, husband, and father. Preston is a direct reflection of his kindness and thoughtfulness. Prayers for you all always.
Vince Brannon
September 10, 2025
Dear Paige,
I just heard of Joe's passing today when talking to Frank and I am so sorry to hear about it. I feel like I got to know you two vicariously through Frank and Mary over all these years that you guys have been such close friends. I have been so moved looking through the wonderful tributes for Joe realizing how may people loved you both and valued your friendship. A wonderful life well lived but sadly lost too soon. Victoria and I have you in our prayers.
Vince Brannon
Howard R Osofsky
August 31, 2025
Joe was a rare treasure of a human being with a perpetual smile and optimistic outlook that would immediately light up any room he entered. Sending my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family and many friends. May our magical moments with Joe endure forever! RIP.
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Frank & Mary Brannon
August 27, 2025
Dear Paige: You and Joe were our dearest friends, neighbors, raising our children together, spending New Years Eve together, up at the lake, and eating dinner together in many places around Atlanta. And we were honored to have you both at our youngest daughter Rachel's wedding in Colorado, and it was so fitting that Joe accepted the role of walking the mother of the bride (Mary) down the aisle. I (Frank) loved it when Joe called me up and wanted to talk about worldly events-he always put such an interesting angle to it all. We will miss him dearly, and please remember we are here for you always. Love, Frank & Mary
Janet Mackenzie Carner
August 24, 2025
Sweet Paige, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, Joe. Having never have met him, I know he must have been a wonderful man, because he was married to you, my "old" friend.
My prayer for you and your family is that your Faith lifts you up and sustains you and that you find comfort and peace in your memories.
Jane Milnes
August 20, 2025
We only met you Joe for such a short time, but it was clear then, and now from reading all the comments what a loved man you were. A life well lived. A life that made a difference. A life that gave and received love. My sincere condolences to your family. With love Jane & Christopher
Dahmer Clegg
August 17, 2025
Paige,
I am so very sorry for your loss and your grief. Your husband sounded like a truly wonderful person. You are in my prayers and I pray for God´s comfort and strength for you and your family.
Much Love, Dahmer (Day-mer)
Michelle Niesen
August 16, 2025
What a honor and privilege to share time with Joe and Paige at Rachel´s wedding he will be missed by many
Susan and Wayne Purdom
August 16, 2025
Dear Paige: we were so very sorry to hear of Joe´s death. He was truly one of the nicest people we knew. Our regret is that we didn´t get to see you both more. Susan and Wayne Purdom
Bonnie and David Springer
August 14, 2025
Dearest Paige and family,
We send our love. Know that your tender love-filled heart is being held close in thought and prayer. We so cherish the friendship and graciousness of spirit, and joyful sense of adventure Joe shared with us so generously. He leaves us with such fond memories and a gratefulness that our souls are now connected throughout eternity.
Greg, Robin, and Millie Walling, Leigh and Joe Rau
August 14, 2025
Our hearts are broken by this sad news. Joe was a special man and one who never knew a stranger. He always greeted us with pure love, which could only come from his inner compassion and faith and a heart of gold. We will miss him terribly.
Martin Burke
August 14, 2025
Sad to hear of another St. Pius X Hs graduate passing away.He will be missed!
Ed and Maggie Archer
August 13, 2025
Paige-- Such sad news. Joe was a fine man and good neighbor- a bright light to us all. Our deepest condolences. Ed and Maggie
John LaRose and Denise Plauche
August 13, 2025
Denise and I were devastated to hear of this sad news. I've known Joe as a mentor, a partner, and a very good friend. He was always cheerful and energetic, and clearly knew there was much more to life than the law. Renaissance man is a good description. Denise and I send our love and condolences to his family.
Melinda Ennis-Roughton
August 13, 2025
Paige,
I just heard about this from Steve. Bert and I are so very saddened. My heart goes out to you during this tragic time. If there is anything you need please call. Or if you just want to talk. Sending love to you and your family. . Melinda and Bert
Nancy Cass Barrett
August 13, 2025
Oh Paige.....I am so sorry for such a sudden loss in your family....My heart goes out to you and the kids
Frances Suarez Mckinney
August 12, 2025
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
Keith and Christy jeske
August 12, 2025
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
Mario Lee Adkins
August 12, 2025
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.
Warren Casaday
August 12, 2025
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.
Melita Lendway
August 12, 2025
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
Sam G. Dickson
August 11, 2025
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.
Atlanta Outdoor Club
August 11, 2025
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.
Deema
August 11, 2025
Carol Plumer
August 11, 2025
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
Terry Ozell
August 11, 2025
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.
Susan & Charlie
August 11, 2025
Joe was a true scholar and gentlemen. His quick smile and witty words will be missed!
David Vickers
August 11, 2025
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 .
Arthur Kretchman
August 10, 2025
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.
Gretchen Jones
August 10, 2025
Sending a million hugs! Joe will always be a very happy memory in my life. We love y´all
Gretchen and Bruce
Mary Moore
August 10, 2025
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Paige & family. Joe will truly missed
Mary Moore
Mary Helan Turner
August 10, 2025
Joe's smile was contagious.
Ande Cook
August 10, 2025
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
Tina Gould
August 10, 2025
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.
Myrna Scott Amos
August 10, 2025
Sending my heartfelt prayers to Paige, the children and the entire family at this time.
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