Carl E. Girardin
It is with great sadness that the family of Carl E. Girardin (“Carly”) announces his passing on April 24, 2020, at the age of 66 after a four year battle with Cancer. Carl will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Ashley Girardin from Chelmsford, MA., and also fondly remembered by his sister Linda and brothers-in-law/friend Richard Bregoli, his Aunt Althea and her husband, his Cousin Mark and his wife and he also shared a special relationship with Ashley’s brother Danny Pettit. Carl had 1 nephew and 1 predeceased nephew and 7 nieces who gave him 4 great nieces , 7 great nephews, 4 great great nieces and 3 great great nephews who all carried a very special place in his heart. Carl was predeceased by his father Carl V. Girardin, his mother Ruth Ann MacDonald, his eldest sister Carol Aitchison and his final love Lindy Rushton.
Born and raised in historic Concord, Massachusetts in the early 1950’s, Carl grew up in a nostalgic place that was filled with catching fireflies and frogs barefoot when it was warm and he also loved canoeing down the Sudbury River by Egg Rock. When it was colder, he loved going ice fishing with his father or going to throw snowballs at cars from rooftops on Main St. with his cousin Mark, as young boys did then. Later, as a teen, he would walk through rain, sleet or snow miles to his part-time job at Burke’s Gas Station situated on the corner of Walden Pond at the time.
Carl E. Girardin was proud to be an American and decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1972 during the Vietnam War where he became a Sergeant and travelled to places such as Japan and the Philippines. During his service he got to work on aircraft carriers at times, and he worked as an aircraft mechanic specializing on Aircraft Hydraulics and Pneumatic Mechanics in his 6 year time. He was awarded The National Service Medal, A Good Conduct Medal x2, and A Rifle Expert Badge.
Upon Carl’s return from the Marines with a honorable discharge after six years of service, he furthered his education in aviation mechanics by attending what was then known as East Coast Aerotech which was partly on Hanscom Field in Lexington/Bedford, MA. There he successfully earned his Airframes and Power Plant Mechanics license, a.k.a., his AMP license which added to his love for aviation.
Carl then moved to California in the early 1980s where he met his former wife Michelle Pelletier and had a daughter by 1983. During that time he was able to continue his passion in aviation by working for Boeing, formerly known as McDonnell Douglas in the early 1980s still as an aviation/airplane mechanic. He became a valued employee and he was offered the promotion of Supervisor. after doing this for sometime, he decided he was much happier doing the hands-on job of a mechanic.
In 2011, when he retired after 30 years, he left behind the C-17 and kept some lifelong friends.
During his time at Boeing, his on/off hours were always spent as a devoted father to Ashley. Carl also had a great love for the outdoors and flying which led him to going back to school to pursue a long time dream at Fullerton Airport, CA where he successfully earned his pilots license to fly single engine airplanes. Carl also went to ocean gear SCUBA school in Huntington Beach, California with his daughter where he became NAUI certified to dive. He loved riding his motorcycle on nice sunny days.
When Carl retired, he and his daughter moved back to his “home” in Massachusetts, a place he missed. He then spent time as a member of the Concord Rod and Gun Club and was part of a trap league in the A division and was also a member of Nashoba Sportsman’s Club.
He loved his chocolate frappes from Kimballs Farms and later helped feed the geese and goats for them out of his own love for animals. He enjoyed kayaking, his own animals, keeping in touch with some very special California friends, spending time with family, working with his hands, being in the yard, and enjoying his retirement in Massachusetts and New England.
Known for his humor, willingness to offer a helping hand, generosity, being a proud Marine, animal lover, and his undying commitment to his family and friends, Carl is loved and will be missed by all.
Due to the need for social distancing, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a GoFundMe account on FB set up for Carl’s burial services. Any remaining funds will be donated to the MSPCA in his name. Please use the below link and enter it into your regular search bar.
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I loved Carl like a brother. He was a beacon of light to me during the darkest and most difficult time of my life. Without his compassion and friendship things may have turned out very differently for me. I’ll always remember him as a man of honor and integrity and compassion. I am going to miss him.
I only knew Carl for about a year, but it was really clear to me that he’s a very special guy. We met when Dick brought me on the CRGC trap team and I’ll never forget how encouraging he was, especially on my worst rounds. He exhibited a peaceful confidence and made me feel like I could achieve my best on the team. He also loved caring for my dog while I got up on the line. We lost him too soon, but I pray he’s experiencing a glorious peace now and for eternity.
Carley was my Marine Corp Brother. We ment at the Boing Aircraft Co. We spent many years together before he retired. Riding motorcycles, watchin a good movie, etc. I trusted Carl like no other. He took me flying once, and I will never forget it. I think I’m his only Puerto Rican friend, but he liked calling me ,a west coast beamer! My life was honored to know him.
Carl, you were the nicest man I’ve ever met and a hard co-worker helping me with the animals at Kimball’s in Carisle! You never let anything get you down and always kept your head up and you we’re a very good friend to me, always called me to check in about the Kimball’s animals and that meant the world to me! You’ll be sorely missed! May god rest your soul! Now I have two special angels watching over me in heaven, you and my Nana! Thank you for being a great person and your love and passion for animals. Kimball’s and I’ll miss you very much! You’ll never be forgotten!
Carl was a caring friend. One day I left my trap gun and gear bag at the trap field and didn’t know it till next day. I though that was a goner, but I got a call from Carl said he have the gun and the bag which he’ll bring to me. He was a very honorable man, it is a great lose to whom that get to know him.
Carl was a great man and a very dear friend. I met Carl working at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing and it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Having both grown up in New England and attending the same East Coast Aero Tech Aircraft Maintenance School in Bedford, MA we had much in common. I had many great times and memories with him and his daughter Ashley in California and in Massachusetts and was honored as he opened their home to me several times on my visits there to spend some memorable times together that I will cherish forever. He was like the brother I never had and will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace my good friend.
My condolences to Carl’s family. I met Carl at CRCG and was very glad to welcome him to the club. He proved to be a very caring and devoted member of the club. I only saw and socialized with Carl at the club but his goodness shone always.