WICONISCO • William “Bill” Charles Girard, 77, of Wiconisco, passed away March 20, 2021, at Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, Pa. He was born Nov. 6, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late William Anthony Girard and Florence (Painton) Girard. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Karan Louise, and two brothers, Ronald and Gerald Girard. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mariella N. Girard (Waldo); daughter, Kimberly Weldon (Michael) of Herndon; two sons, William Anthony (Leslie) of Williamstown and Scott Gerald (Kathy) of Lykens; sisters, Lorraine McCraken (Richard) and Patricia Clarvoe, both of Delaware; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also his two dogs, whom he treasured: Buggsie and Duke. Also many nieces and nephews, who adored him. All will miss him greatly and remember him watching over us from the hill at the family reunions. William was raised in Hazleton and attended school there. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served with honor while deployed in the Vietnam War. He was among the first Marines to be sent in 1962. After serving his country he went back to Hazleton, where he held many jobs before ultimately working in the construction industry and becoming a master drywall finisher. He also lived with his family in the southwest including New Mexico, Utah and Texas for a time where he worked as a uranium miner. He eventually moved his family back to Pennsylvania and settled in Wiconisco to raise his family in a small town. He retired in 2008 and found great joy in working in his yard and doing numerous small projects around his house. He was proud of his yard, and you could always see his many American and Marine Corps flags being flown proudly. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle whose true patriotism and devotion to family will never be forgotten. Due to his extreme love of his dogs and his undying patriotism, donations are requested in lieu of flowers to: America’s Vetdogs, 371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown NY 11787-2976 or to Williamstown Ambulance Association, 204 N. West St., Williams-town PA 17098. Services with full military honors will be held Thursday, June 17 at 11:30 am. at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will be held at his residence in Wiconisco following the service. All who knew him are welcome to attend to share stories and remember. Paid by Kimberly Weldon
