It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of (John) Todd Girard of Rockland,MA on March 12, 2026, after a long battle with lung cancer. He was the beloved husband of 35 years to Dr. Kerry (Boswell) Girard, supportive son-in-law to Bruce and Ann (Patten) Boswell, and proud father of Matthew Todd Girard of Rockland and Kelsey (Girard) Kane of Abington. He was born in Boston, and lived in Dorchester on Dix Street as the cherished son of Jean Todd Girard, who also passed too soon, and Betty (Spirulli) Tardanico of Lake Wales, Florida. Jean instilled Todd's deep love of cars and racing and Todd had such a special mother-son relationship with Betty, that they spoke on the phone daily. Todd later moved to Weymouth Landing, enjoying adventures on Peddock’s Island, wrenching on cars, and running from the cops with his best friend gang.

Todd graduated from Weymouth Vo Tech with a certification in Auto Mechanics, and went to work for his beloved stepfather, Ronnie Tardanico, owner of Custom Auto Glass in Braintree. After learning the glass business from the best, Todd took over as the owner ofCustom Auto Glass on Union Street, a thriving local Rockland business since 1985. Over the years, the shop became more than a place of business; it became a place where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and his commitment to his community was felt by everyone who walked through the door. Todd supported Rockland sports teams, scouts and town projects, but his favorite team, by far, was the National and State Champions Rockland Cheer team for which Kelsey was a flyer. Todd was the ultimate cheer Dad and was always up for a car wash, a meat raffle, or celebration cake for the girls. Todd also supported charitable organizations in theSouth Shore. One that was close to the heart was the annual Champions Fighting Cancer Walk,where he proudly walked (some would say speed-walked) alongside his loving sister-in-law,who he loved like a true sibling Jacki Boswell, and her team of unwavering supporters under the moniker “‘Mammaries for Margaritas”

If there was a muscle car nearby, Todd was talking about it, admiring it, or wrenching on it. Destiny entered, and a chance meeting while he was driving his ‘78 Trans-am at the 1984 Brockton Fair led to Kerry becoming his forever driving winggirl. Later, he traded this for his epic ‘56 Chevy Nomad, the “ambulance”, which he spent many long hours restoring at the shop with his car guy buddies turning it into the ribbon winning custom car we know today. His second most prized car was his ‘57 Chevy Sedan Delivery that he inherited from his Dad, a lifelong South Shore Street Rod member, transforming it to the lime green T.G. Express we now know. Todd didn’t limit his love of motors to just the 50’s, but also enjoyed monster trucks, Harleys, and his Corvettes. As a member of the South Shore Corvette Club for the past 10 years, he owned his first vette, a 1978 C3 and now his current, a C7 Z06 and C8 triple black convertibles. He loved spending Monday cruise nights at the Whitman VFW winning raffles and 50/50s (the reports of cheating are false :)), driving in poker runs, or enjoying the many parties hosted by the amazing group of car people we have come to love. If you knew Todd, his other love was warm sandy beaches and soaking up the sun. Whether it was jetskiing the pond, cruising the Caribbean with friends and family, or relaxing at our happy place, the “Sandbox” in Dennisport, Cape Cod, Todd was always the life of the party. We are so lucky to have landed there, making so many lifelong friends, sharing ‘lobstah’ rolls, mudslides at the Cow, drinking cold beers and Cape Codders, and sing-alongs at the epic firepit Friday nights. Over the years, he hosted many friends and family with legendary grilled gourmet meals and his infamous lasagna. We all will be a little hungry this summer on the Cape.But above all else, Todd’s greatest pride and joy was his family, and his favorite title was Papa. He was so excited with each pregnancy announcement and adored being the best Papa to Emily (2) and Abby (8 months) of Matt and Megan (Norton) Girard, who he loved like his own daughter, and Olivia (5 months) of entrusted and loved son-in-law, Shawn and daughter Kelsey Kane. He was so lucky to have had the extra time to love and cherish those babies and see the joy of his children becoming parents of their own. The fierce love he had for his children and family was unconditional and unwavering. He is also survived by his sister Tina (Girard) MacAllister of Carver, his stepsister Doreen (Muse) Daley of Lakeville, and stepbrother Al Muse of Wareham. He is survived by his stepmother Donna (Girard) Lawrence of Carver. He is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews, and friends.

We invite everyone to celebrate his life the way he would have wanted. Visiting hours will be held March 28th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on 135 Union St. in Rockland. In honor of Todd’s love for the islands and his vibrant beach spirit, guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best Caribbean, Jamaican, or Cape Cod attire as we celebrate a life that meant so much to many. Following visiting hours at 12:30 pm there will be a car processional in Todd’s honor. Anyone with loud engines, hot rods, classic cars, or motorcycles are encouraged to join to help us make them roar for Todd, just the way he would have loved. The procession will end at Rockland Golf Course, where all family and friends are invited to gather together to continue celebrating Todd’s life sharing stories, laughter, and memories.

Todd’s life was full of love, loyalty, laughter, and unforgettable moments. He will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten. His memory will live on in every loud engine, every ocean breeze, and in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to call him family and a friend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Brockton Hospital Cancer Center, where Todd received his care during his battle, for the Champions Fighting Cancer Walk. This year we will have our own team: Papa’s Cape Cod Hot Rodders. Donations will support cancer research to help make a difference for other families battling this disease.

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/CFCW/team/PapasCapeCodHotRodders