Obituary of Leo Arthur Girouard

Leo Arthur Girouard, Sr., 94, a longtime resident of Seaside, passed away peacefully at Mariposa Assisted Living on March 31st, 2018, surrounded by his three daughters. Leo was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on June 17th, 2018. He was the son of Samuel Girouard and Blanche Henri. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. After training, he was sent to Burma where his company replaced Merrill's Marauders. After they took back the Burma Road, which was the main route for supplies to China, he went on to train solders in China. He also spent time in Calcutta and Bombay, India. Leo received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medals for his service. After serving in the Army for 25 years, he had a second career working for Civil Service. While stationed at Fort Ord, Leo met his future wife, Alice Cannon at folk and square dance lessons held at the Monterey USO. They were married October 8th, 1950, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Seaside. They were the first couple to be married in the new parish. Leo's memberships included Knights of Columbus Council 5261 and Santa Rosalia Assembly 4th Degree, American Legion Post 591, the VFW and the DAV. Leo was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Alice Cannon Girouard, and his brothers, Normand, Alfred, Arthur and Armand. He is survived by his children, Patricia Girouard, Susan Karlotski, Leo Girouard, Jr., and Alice (Alvin) Trentelman. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Leo is also survived by his sister Theresa Grimes of New Bedford. A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 8th, from 12pm - 3pm at Seaside Funeral Home, 1915 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, April 9th, beginning at 11am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1475 La Salle Avenue, Seaside, CA. Graveside services will follow Mass at Mission Memorial Park in Seaside. Leo's family would like to thank Mariposa Assisted Living for the excellent and loving care he received. They would also like to thank his longtime physician, Dr. Waligora. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. To share a memory or condolence with Leo's family please visit www.seasidefunerals.com.