Thomas Giroux

Thomas Dewey Giroux, 83, of Hampden, Maine, passed away peacefully at his home on May 16, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed sports, music, dancing, and theatre, but his first love was his family, including his pets. When his children were growing up, he loved participating on their behalf for their activities and events, along with skiing and camping. As the grandchildren came along, Tom became “Poppy.” He looked forward to family gatherings and cherished spending time as a great storyteller with a good sense of humor and keeping up with what was happening in his family’s lives. He was never too busy to listen, to lend a hand, to help a friend in need – never asking for anything in return. He treated everyone like gold and when he spoke with someone, he made them feel as if they were the only person in the world. He was a fighter – perhaps the greatest fighter the world has ever known – as he overcame challenges when most would have given up. Through all the pain, he never once complained. Instead, he cherished every moment on this earth, so that he could spend just one more minute with his loved ones. No matter how he felt, when you visited him, his questions were “How are YOU” and “Tell me about everything going on in your life.” He was our miracle, and we were his.

Tom was born in St. Albans, VT, on May 5, 1939, the son of Dewey and Betty (Boomhower) Giroux of Swanton, VT, where he grew up. He graduated from St. Anne’s Academy, Class of 1956, after which he attended Becker Jr. College in Worcester, MA, where he earned his Associates Degree in Retail Merchandising.
He returned to his hometown of Swanton, VT, and taught high school business courses and coached basketball in Franklin, VT. In 1960 he took a position as catalog store manager for a major retailer and remained in the business of retail sales until his retirement. He was commended for his excellent work and company presentations, as he loved the challenge of closing a sale and over the years was recognized with many awards for his accomplishments.

Tom was involved in his community and while living in New Hampshire was a member of the Franklin City Council, the Franklin Board of Parks and Recreation, the Franklin Outing club, Kiwanis, BPOE, Franklin Parents Club, as well as serving as President of the Retail Merchants Division of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.
While living in Bangor, Tom worked and volunteered as an Usher for local venues to include the Penobscot Theater, Husson College Gracie Theater, Cross Insurance Center, City of Bangor, and Maine Troop Greeters at Bangor International Airport. He also volunteered at the United Methodist Church of Hampden.

Mr. Giroux is predeceased by infant daughter, Mary Beth Giroux, and a brother, Patrick A. Giroux. He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn (Buckminster) Giroux, of Hampden, Maine; mother of his children, Myrna (Wark) Giroux, of Manchester, NH; his loving and devoted children Martha (Robert) MacInnis of Newmarket, NH, Frederick (Michele) Giroux of Brevard, NC, and Thomas S. (Sherri) Giroux of Harpers Ferry, WV; his step-children Kathleen White, of Littleton, NH, Andrew (Melissa) White of Bangor, ME, and Karen White, of Saco, ME; 10 grandchildren Jonathan (Kristy) Giroux, Maggie Bienefeld, Caleb Bienefeld, Mary (Ben) Kelley, Tara Giroux, John Luke Giroux, Eliza Giroux, Evan White, Peter White, Joseph White; and five great-grandchildren Sophie, Johannah, Gabriel, Maxwell and Adelaide; a brother John (Cathy) Giroux, and sister-in-law Carol Giroux as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden. Those who wish may make contributions in Tom’s memory to: Beacon Hospice Care, 1026 Stillwater Ave, Bangor, ME 04401 or Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.