George W. Girvan

George W. Girvan 83 died Saturday November 5, 2005 at his home. A firefighter for 31 years, George W. Girvan loved his job and years later often liked to tell stories about his experiences on the job. He was commended several times for bravery. In 1957 he was awarded the Roll of Merit for bravery and was highly commended by the Fire Commissioner for his quick and heroic Action. As a member of Ladder 4 at a fire in Roxbury, he forced and entrance to rescue a middle aged man. During 1967 while he was with Ladder Co. 23, Mr, Girvan was the Walter Scott Medal for Valor. His Actions included saving an unconscious man from the second floor of a four alarm fire. He then proceeded to the third floor where he found another unconscious man who he carried out to the street. This rescue work was performed under conditions of severe heat, smoke and before adequate ventilation had been effected. Firefighter Girvan received second-degree burns of the face, ears, and head and was rendered semi-conscious at the scene of the fire. It was because of the great personal risk he assumed without regard for his own personal safety that Mr. Girvan was awarded this medal. In 1972 while with Ladder Co. 23, Mr. Girvan was once again awarded the Roll of Merit. He performed his duties with dedication despite the hazards involved while making his way to the third floor of a building in Dorchester. Through a heavy concentration of heat and smoke, he assisted in the removal of two adults and one child under very dangerous conditions. Twice Mr. Girvan was commended for working at two and three alarm fires while off duty. He retired as an aide to District Chief John White in 1978. The son of a Boston Policeman, he served in the Army Air Force during World War II and was awarded four medals during that time. As much as he enjoyed his job his family was his life. Being a father of ten kept him busy. Christmas time was one of his favorite holidays. Through the years as the family grew with the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren he moved the Christmas party from his home to a rented function hall just to make sure everyone got together and really enjoyed themselves. Mr. Girvan was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking.

Husband of the late Doris A. (Walker) Girvan he is survived by 5 sons, Michael of Walpole, Paul of Norwood, Dennis of Whitman, Thomas of North Attleboro, and George of Attleboro, and 5 daughters Dianne Collins and Doris Meagher of Norwood, Donna LeClerc of Plainville, Dorothy Moran of Hingham, and Deborah Backoff of Danbury, NH. Brother of Catherine Dunkley of Maine, Rita Girvan of Westwood, Gertrude Mitchell of Tewksbury, Dorothy Feeley of Dedham, Edward Girvan of Roslindale. In addition he leaves 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Blessed Sacrament Church Rt 27 Walpole on Wednesday @ 10AM. Visiting hours are private. Interment in St Francis Cemetery Walpole. Memorial donations may be made to: Caritas VNA 3 Edgewater Drive Norwood, Massachusetts 02062. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home Walpole. WWII Army Air Corp Vet.