Anthony Thomas Giroux, 18, of Blackstone passed away peacefully on June 3 at his home with his beloved family by his side. He was born in Boston, November 27, 2004 at 27 weeks and at just 2 pounds he was truly a “little miracle”.
He lived in Bourne, Ma. for 8 years before moving to Blackstone, Ma. almost 11 years ago. He recently graduated with high honors from Blackstone Millville Regional High School receiving the honor of the Unsung Hero Award and a standing ovation from the crowd and his classmates holding up his #3 to celebrate him.
Anthony is survived by his loving, caring parents Kevin and Krissy (Kleimola) Giroux and his amazing sister, Arabella Sam Giroux. He is also survived by his grandparents, James and Florence Kleimola of Bourne, Ma. Claire Flaherty of Milford, Ma. and Roger and Ellie Giroux of Summerfield, Fl as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
After spending his first 108 days in the NICU, he “busted out” and spent his 18 years, 6 months and 7+ days with his family and friends. He packed an eternity into that time and left a strong, lifelong impact on everyone he encountered. Anthony vacationed in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island all around Massachusetts and made several trips to Disney. He loved Star Wars, Marvel, SpongeBob and cartoons. He loved watching movies and boy did he love his video games. He was always ready to watch tv or play a video game with his sister, his friends or Mom and Dad. For many years Anthony wanted a dog and recently got two, Dottie and Olive and they loved sitting with and licking him. He loved camping and sitting at the campfire for a smore. Halloween was a passion and each year he would pick multiple costumes to be worn. Anthony rode on Harleys, boats, ATVs and the last few years started to love fishing. He loved the beach, his pool and his favorite places were Newport, Jamestown and the Cape Cod Canal.
He was the “mayor” of every school he attended and built strong relationships with his friends and teachers. They were true and honest friendships and he was surrounded by everyone’s love. He was a 4 year Varsity Football player and won the Charger Award after scoring the first touchdown in his last Turkey Bowl. We can’t forget his love for Wrestling and Boston sports as he made it to every Boston sports venue. In addition, he was able to see his favorite musician live last year… Kid Rock.
He was a kind, strong and caring person and truly maintained a positive attitude through every adversity. You could always count on Anthony for an outrageously funny comment regardless of the place or time. In 2004 we wrote a thank you to our friends and family and said it wasn’t easy to predict his long-term outcome because of his medical challenges. We said we were 110% optimistic he would be strong and do great things. Well son… you did more than great things… you demonstrated a lifetime of greatness. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to share him with the world. Rest and Run Big Brother and Son your fight is Done.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 8 in St. Paul’s Church, 48 St. Paul Street, Blackstone at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Anthony T. Giroux Scholarship c/o Dean Bank, 8 Main Street, Blackstone, MA 01504.