Hudson – Thomas J. “Tom” Gird, 68, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 after a period of failing health. He was the husband of Susanne (Risotti) Gird, to whom he was married for 46 years.
He was born in Marlborough, the son of the late Joseph and Arlene (Pope) Gird. He lived in Hudson for almost 40 years after growing up in Maynard.
Mr. Gird worked at RG Vanderweil Engineers in Boston for 25 years. He was a Managing Principal of the firm, and was co-director of the Life Science Market Sector.
Because Tom very much enjoyed sports, he spent many rewarding years coaching his children and the youth of Hudson in baseball, soccer, and basketball.
Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, Benjamin Gird and his wife Alison of New York, N.Y.; two daughters, Emily Gird of Hudson and Rebecca Regan and her husband Michael of Cranford, N.J.; one sister, Catherine Hurd of Hudson; four grandchildren, Michael, Molly, Siena, and Wesley; his mother-in-law, Eva Risotti of Marlborough; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by a brother, John Gird.
Tom was a caring, compassionate family man who devoted his life not only to his wife, but also to his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Grampa.”
His funeral will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m., in Saint Michael’s Church, 20 High St., Hudson, followed by burial in Forestvale Cemetery in Hudson. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 5-8 p.m., at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Tom be made to The Tom Gird Autism Fund, 115 Beech St., Cranford, NJ 07016 to benefit the autism education program at Hillside Avenue School in Cranford, N.J. where Tom’s grandson attends, or to Tufts Medical Center, c/o Marc Jackson Neuro-Oncology Patient Care Support Fund, 800 Washington St., Box #231, Boston, MA 02111.
