George R. Girardi Jr.

George R. "Buddy" Girardi, Jr., 79, passed away December 30, 2023 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, MA. He was the son of George R. Girardi, Sr. and Helen A. (Salkaus) Girardi. He leaves his loving wife of 52 years Judith A. Girardi, and daughters Gina M. Girardi and Julie A. Girardi.

Buddy was a graduate of Athol High School Class of 1962. He played football and excelled at track. He broke the 100 yard dash record at AHS, and qualified for the State Finals in Boston in 1962.

In 1984, Buddy participated in the Olympic torch relay to Los Angeles. He carried the torch through Watertown, MA.

Buddy received his Bachelor's degree in Economics from Georgetown University in 1966, and his MBA from Babson College.

He devoted 55 years to Girardi Distributors LLC in Athol and Pittsfield, MA. Following the end of Prohibition in 1933, his grandfather Andrew's beer company soon became an Anheuser-Busch distributorship. After purchasing the company from George Sr. in 1982, Buddy began many years of expansion and other capital improvements.

Private burial was held January 5, 2024.

Contributions may be made in his name to Folds of Honor Foundation, Dept 13, Tulsa, OK 74182, or to the Athol Seniors Center, 82 Freedom Street, Athol, MA 01331.

Fiske-Murphy and Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA assisted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.