SMYRNA - Alan Joseph Girard, of Smyrna, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday Aug. 7, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81. Mr. Girard was born April 15, 1930, in Ipswich, Mass., the son of the late Earl and Katherine Girard. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He retired after 40 years as a Dental Technician, of which he worked for himself for 15 years. Alan enjoyed horse racing and deep sea fishing. He was artistically inclined and was a skilled oil painter. He was also an avid football fan in his later years, especially of the Eagles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Philip Girard. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Mary Girard; five sons, Alan S. Girard of Glenside, Pa., Lawrence J. Girard and his wife Dianne of Philadelphia, Pa., Greg Girard and his wife Debra of Smyrna, Mark E. Girard of Philadelphia, and Mike A. Girard and his wife Claudine of Collegeville, Pa.; three daughters, Karen T. Miranda and her husband Paul of Landenberg, PA, Christine M. Tracy and her husband Tom of Philadelphia, and Jeanette M. Joreger and her husband Tim of Panama City, Fla.; a sister, Grace "Bunty" Joseph of Wenham, Mass.; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located on 29 S. Main St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 1 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.