John J. Giroux

John J. Giroux, 62, husband of Patricia A. (Bennett) Giroux of Deer Trail, Sandy Hook, died May 6 at his home. John bravely battled cancer for the past year.

John was born in Clifton Park, N.Y., on November 9, 1940, a son of the late Jeremie E. and Mary (Wilson) Giroux. He resided in West Cresent, N.Y., for 21 years and attended Shenedehoa Central Schools in Elmira, N.Y. John served in the US Army, 82nd Airborne Division, from 1948 to 1962. He was a graduate of Albany Business College with degrees in business administration and accounting.

John started his career with the Thruway Motel as an accountant. He then joined Capital Cities Communications, WTEN-TV and WROW AM/FM as chief accountant. In 1970, John moved to Trumbull and became the business manager for Connecticut Broadcasting Company, Inc, WICC AM Radio. In 1972, he was promoted to comptroller and director of the radio station.

John was past president of the Bridgeport Chapter of the National Association of Accountants; founder and treasurer of WICC’s Toys for Hospital Tots Campaign, director of the Connecticut Broadcaster’s Association, trustee for Connecticut Hemophiliac Association, and founder of the WICC Million Dollar Bluefish Tournament. John was an active member of Barnum Festival Society, Trumbull Exchange Club, United Way, Junior Achievement, and the Broadcast Financial Management.

John was the owner and operator of the Monte Carlo Café and the Olde Log Inn in Bridgeport. After his retirement from broadcasting in 1985, John purchased Les Alpes Bakery in Ridgefield. John was the baker for seven years before closing the bakery. He then worked for many local businesses in Ridgefield including Quality Housewashing, Ridgefield Roofing, and Mulvaney Plumbing and heating. John later joined Home Depot in Danbury as a plumbing associate until his leave of absence to fight cancer in 2002.

In addition to his wife of 38 years, survivors include two daughters, Tammy L. Card of Sandy Hook, with whom he lived at the time of his death, and Lori L. Erikson of Newtown; two brothers, Gerald F. Giroux of West Cresent, N.Y., and Ray F. Giroux, of Cohoes, N.Y.; a grandson, Joseph A. Lenzen Erikson; and five granddaughters, Emily and Hannah Card and Miranda, Cassie, and Rosie Erikson. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Amanda Card, and two sisters, Geraldine Giroux and Marilyn Mihauski.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 48 Main Street, Friday, from 5 to 8 pm. Cremation will take place at the convenience of the family.

At the request of John and his family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810.

The Newtown Bee        May 9, 2003