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Richard Gordon McGirr Jr.

1937 - 2018

Richard Gordon McGirr Jr. obituary, 1937-2018, Groton, CT

BORN

1937

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London

12 Ocean Avenue

New London, Connecticut

Richard McGirr Obituary

Groton - Richard Gordon McGirr Jr. passed away on Friday morning, Jan. 12, 2018, surrounded by family and friends at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. He was 80 years old. He was born Nov. 22, 1937, the son of Richard Gordon McGirr Sr. and Frances McGirr.

He served as a submariner from 1958 to 1977, retiring as a senior chief petty officer. He served proudly on the Gato (SS-212), Bang (SS-385), Redfish (SS-395), Tinosa (SS-283), and Sea Robin (SS-407). Richard spent the remainder of his working career at Sonalysts as an analyst. He spent many hours further serving on the committee for the World War II Submarine Veterans Memorial, and was a member of the Submarine Veterans and Fleet Reserve Associations in Groton.

Richard was a deeply devoted, compassionate, and loving family man who had many interests, including his beloved pets, golf, bowling, billiards, classical music, reading, travel and all pursuits intellectual.

He was married to Toni McGirr, and previously to Sarah McGirr, whom he survived in 2004.

He is survived by his wife Toni; his sons, Richard and Michael; his grandchildren, Sean, Eric, and Sarah; his sister, Pat Woodland of Seattle, Wash.; and stepchildren, Jeff Zimmerman, Jeremy Zimmerman, Skippy Zimmerman; as well as a niece and nephew and numerous stepgrandchildren.

Richard was a wonderful husband, father, role model, and human being whose family, friends and colleagues will miss dearly.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening, Jan. 19, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Interment will be at sea by the U.S. Navy.

Donations in his memory may be made to the ASPCA Gift Processing Center, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20077-7127. www.aspca.org/donate. www.neilanfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 17, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard McGirr

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.

Not sure what to say?





Rick Snow

February 8, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. Dick was a great guy. I worked with him at Raytheon in Waltham, Ma. for several years and we became very good friends. He was a funny, intelligent, exceedingly fair minded man and although we'd lost touch since I left Raytheon in 99, I will miss him.

Phil Beals

January 20, 2018

Toni and Family,

Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your (our) loss. Dick was a
good shipmate and, like you, we loved him too. We only hope that the sincere sympathy we offer you will somehow ease your pain.

The Bang Gang

Lord this departed Shipmate with Dolphins on his chest,
Is part of an outfit known to be the best.
Please welcome him and offer him your hand,
As you no doubt know he's the best in the land.
And also heavenly Father add his name to the roll
Of our departed Shipmates who serve on Final Patrol.
Assure them all that we, who still survive
Will always keep their memory alive.

Dolores Emery

January 20, 2018

Toni, I am so sorry to read of your husband's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, may you find comfort in the many loving memories that you all shared together. Love you. Dolores Beaulieu Emery. (Bobby's sister)

Alice Crowell

January 18, 2018

Toni and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May your memories of him help heal the sadness you feel.

January 18, 2018

Rest In Peace Dick. Our condolences to the family.Cha and Bill

Brotherhood of the Dolphin

Nick Nichols

January 17, 2018

To the McGirr Family,

On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Richard's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and our shipmate. The SUBVETS will have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Richard, who earned his 'fish' when he qualified on USS REDFISH SS-395, will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot. BRAVO ZULU SHIPMATE!!

ETCS(SS) Richard Gordon McGirr Jr.
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain

Gloria Ward

January 17, 2018

Toni and family,
So sorry for your loss , my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time. Sorry I can't be there but will see you all soon . Love Gloria

Ernie Smith

January 17, 2018

Toni and family,
Dianne and I are very sorry for your loss, we are thinking about you every day.We will be in town on Tuesday 1/23/18,see you then.
Love and miss you,
Ernie and Dianne

Nancy S Rusell

January 17, 2018

My thoughts are with the McGirr family at this difficult time. I have fond memories of Dick while working at Sonalysts.

Sherri Mooney

January 17, 2018

Toni and family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers, wish I could be with you all at this time.... Love you so much...Jim and Sherri

Lynn and Mark Angora

January 16, 2018

Sis, I am so sorry for loss. You are on my mind and in my heart every day. Love you

Arlene Godsey

January 14, 2018

Toni, we are so sorry for you and the family. Stay strong. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love you your sister Arlene and Bill

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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Memorial Events
for Richard McGirr

Jan

19

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London

12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320

Funeral services provided by:

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London

12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320

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