Southbridge: Edward R. Giroux, 84, of Fiske St., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 12th, surrounded by his loving family in his home after a long illness.

His wife, Rita G. (Cadarette) Giroux, passed away in 2012.  He leaves his five children, Darlene A. Heywosz and her husband John of Charlton, Karen R. Giroux of Charlton, Debra M. Gardner and her husband Armond of Southbridge, Shirley S. O'Connor and her husband Richard of Wales and Edward R. Giroux, Jr. of Southbridge; his three brothers, Joseph Giroux of Northboro, David Giroux of Spanaway, WA and Bernard Giroux of Sturbridge; his three sisters, Dorothy Duquette of Winchester, NH, Constance Fontaine of Southbridge and Anne Marie Widing of Okeechobee, FL; his 14 grandchildren, Jessica Giroux, Kristi Mathieu, Adam Houatchanthara, Tabatha Gardner, Aaron Houatchanthara, Jacob Giroux, Kristen Houatchanthara, Jayme Heywosz, Samantha Chapman, Thomas Heywosz, Michaela Burgwinkel, Dannielle Gilroy, Shane O'Connor and Kylie O'Connor; 10 great grandchildren and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of  his newest great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother, Armand Giroux.  He was born in Southbridge the son of Armand N. and Emelia (Syriac) Giroux.

Edward served honorably in the US Air Force as an Airman 1st Class from 1959-1963.  He was stationed in Thule, Greenland and later at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.

Edward was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in Southbridge for 27 years, retiring many years ago.  He was very involved in Veterans affairs in Southbridge and was a member and past commander of the Disable American Veterans; a member of the former Franco American Veterans and served as past president of the Southbridge Veterans Council.  He was a lifetime member of the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club in Sturbridge. He loved to play bingo, enjoyed traveling, and doing puzzles.  Most of all Edward loved to spend time with his family and supporting them in all of their activities.

Edward's funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16th, at 11:00am in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605.