WESTFIELD Arthur Frederick Giard, 77, (1942-2020) passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born in Brockton, MA to the late Arthur G. and Mary DelSordo Giard. Following Mary’s passing, Fred’s father married Mary F. (Pettinato) Giard, who adopted Fred. He was a graduate of Monsignor Coyle High School in Taunton and from Miami Dade Community College with an Associate’s Degree. Fred served his country during Vietnam from 1964-1968 as an aviation instructor in the United States Air Force with the 99th Bomb Wing and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He then became a pilot after discharge. He was employed as an instructor and jet pilot for Mississippi Chemical, Beech Aerospace, LearJet International, and Flight Safety. Fred retired after 57 years in corporate aviation and achieved elite ATR ratings and flew for the Governor of Mississippi, Terry Bradshaw and Warren Buffet, just to name a few of many distinguished passengers. When he wasn’t flying, Fred was an electronics and computer science geek, jet-ski enthusiast, and pit crew member in professional car racing. Fred loved camping and any outdoor activity. A former Boy Scout leader, Fred made it his mission to help youth to strive to be their best. Although he never married or had children of his own, he personally funded education for some of these young people, helped them on a positive road in life, and inspired many to achieve successful careers in aviation and other professional pursuits.
Fred is survived by his loving sister, Barbara A. Moffat and her husband John C. of Westfield, his niece, Joyce A. Rios and her husband Moises of Springfield, Mary A. Moffat of Wethersfield, CT, grand nieces, Lily M. Rios, Mia B. Rios, Riley A. Campanella and her parents Amber and James Mihalak. He was predeceased by a nephew Robert J. Campanella and a brother-in-law William F. Campanella. Services for Fred will be held on Friday, February 7 with calling hours from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the Southwick Community Episcopal Church, 660 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077 followed by burial with Military Honors in Springfield Street Cemetery, Springfield Street, Feeding Hills. A reception will then be held back at Southwick Episcopal Church at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. Donations in lieu of flowers, in Fred’s name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors or to the charity of one’s choice
