Rodney J. Girard

1944 - 2025

New London – Rodney J. Girard, 80, a longtime New London resident, passed away Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at his home.

He was born in Bristol, June 26, 1944, the son of the late Raoul Girard Sr. and Augusta (Selnau) Girard, and was the loving husband of Rose-Ann (D'Aprile) Girard for 21 years. They were married Sept. 19, 2003.

Rodney was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force retiring as an Air Rescue Medic. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a manager for Gannett Publishing for 20 years, working mostly in the state of Florida.

As a proud veteran, Rodney was a member of several different Veterans' Organizations including the Vietnam Veterans' Association in Norwich.

Rodney was a man of strong faith. He was a member of Divine Providence National Catholic Church in Norwich for many years and served as the sexton of the church cemetery for more than 15 years.

He had a lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, having been a scout as a child and then becoming a scout leader when his boys were young. He was especially proud when his grandchildren earned their Eagle Scout Awards.

Rodney loved to travel. He travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada having visited all 50 states and 3 Canadian Provinces. His military career afforded him the opportunity to explore countless foreign countries.

In addition to his wife Rose-Ann, he is survived by three sons, Mario Girard and wife Bea, Carlos Girard and wife Sheila, and Kirkland Girard and wife Lynn; stepdaughter Tammy Goodwin and husband Chuck; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brother Richard. He was predeceased by his son Westly Girard; brother Raul and sister Anita.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Divine Providence National Catholic Church, 11 Silver St, Norwich. Burial will follow at Divine Providence Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to Vietnam Veterans' Association, 8719 Colesville Rd, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Woyasz & Son Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.