Charles David Girard, Sr.

Charles David Girard, Sr. (“Chuck”) of West Chester passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. He was 74 years old.

Chuck was born in Philadelphia on June 22, 1951 to John, Jr. and Florence (Bruno) Girard.  He grew up in Springfield, Delaware County and enjoyed collecting arrowheads in the woods behind his home and going on various capers with his neighborhood friends.  He participated in Boy Scouts of America and graduated from Springfield High School in 1969.  

As a young adult, Chuck volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and served as a mentor to his “little brother” Andrew. The two remained close friends for the next 50 years. 

Chuck found employment as a lineman for Bell Telephone and AT&T for twenty years, proudly climbing telephone poles in the days before bucket lifts.  

Later in life, Chuck enjoyed a second act serving as an advocate for people living with mental illness, becoming active in Chester County’s mental health community.  As a Certified Peer Specialist, he gave one-to-one support to community members struggling with mental illness. Chuck also volunteered with Compeer of Chester County for over twenty years, providing friendship to others on their mental health journey. In 2008, he was recognized by Compeer as a Champion of Recovery. 

Known for his sense of humor, Chuck enjoyed storytelling, reminiscing with friends, listening to music from the 1960s, and a good Italian hoagie.

He is survived by his two children, Laura Kelleher (Thomas, Jr.) and Charles Girard, Jr. (Morgan); their mother, Marilyn (Woodward) Girard; six dearly-loved grandchildren, Luke, Evan, and Clara Kelleher, and Ian, Cecily, and Jacob Girard; a brother, John Girard III; a sister, Lisa Hitsos (John); a nephew, Jonathan Girard; and a niece, Gianna Hitsos.

A private interment will be held.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 4:00pm at Frazer Mennonite Church, 57 Maple Linden Ln, Frazer, PA 19355.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Compeer at https://www.mentalhealthpartnerships.org/get-involved/donate-now or PO Box 115, Westtown, PA 19395.