Obituary of Francis "Frank" Girard

Francis “Frank” Girard

Francis “Frank” Girard, age 86, of Buckhannon, WV, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon. He was born on March 22, 1938, in Elkins, WV, a son of the late Sam O. and Minnie Endrizzi Girard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Louise Girard, Adeline Pastine, and Esther Silvester; and brothers, Charles and Joseph “Joe” Girard.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley A. Gibson Girard; his son, Trent Girard; and his sister, Mary Margaret Gallagher.

Frank attended the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and was deeply committed to his faith and community. He dedicated his life to education, business, and volunteer work. Frank began his teaching career at Petersburg High School in Grant County, where he also coached boys' basketball. He later taught Biology and coached basketball in Upshur County Schools. His longest tenure was with Lewis County Schools, where he spent 49 years (1966 to 2015) teaching Business and Biology classes while coaching football and baseball.

In addition to his work in education, Frank was a successful entrepreneur. He owned and operated an independent fireworks tent in Buckhannon for 25 years, a used car lot for several years, and his own home construction business for many years. He also worked for Home Hardware, Inc. for several summers.

Frank was a proud graduate of Coalton Twelve Year School and Davis & Elkins College, where he earned a degree in Business Management with a minor in Biology as part of the Class of 1963. His passion for athletics led to his induction into the Randolph County Athletic Hall of Fame on August 23, 2003, in recognition of being a part of the 1957 Coalton Championship Basketball team.

A devoted volunteer, Frank played a significant role with Habitat for Humanity in Upshur County, where he led the construction phases of several homes, leaving a lasting impact on families in need.  He loved taking walks near his home and enjoyed watching and cheering on the WVU Men's Basketball team, attending at least one game each season in person.

Friends will be received Monday, March 17, 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A Christian Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11 AM at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Buckhannon, with Father Edward Tetteh officiating. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.