SALEM - Corey Joseph Girard, 42, died on June 19th 2024 at Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers, MA after a yearlong battle with Stage IV cancer.

Corey was born April 2nd 1982, to the late George Girard and Michelle Anne Marie Girard (Darisse) on a unseasonably snowy day. Corey was known for his intelligence, wit, and knack for storytelling, and will be missed by his large extended family and wide network of friends from Salem, Greater Boston, and beyond.

Corey attended Salem High School, North Shore Community College, and Salem State University where he studied History and English Literature. In additional to jobs as a barista at Front St Coffee House and other odd jobs, he primarily worked as a security guard at various places; with his cousin Erik Darisse providing security details for jewelry transport, at the Revere Hotel in downtown Boston, and finally at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Corey amassed many stories and amusing observations of life and human behavior at these jobs, often ending an entertaining tale by stating, "ah, life's rich tapestry".

Corey lived life among stacks of books from every genre, always carrying at least three in his backpack as he cycled around Greater Boston. Stories followed him everywhere, and he followed stories. They led him, often, to the Cambridge Public Library where Corey met his partner, the late Torrance Dunbar, a librarian and fellow story lover. Together they built a home in Somerville, MA and shared an orange cat named Bartholomeow, on whom they doted.

Corey was known for his commitment to issues related to justice, equality, environmentalism and protections for the working class. Corey also had a passion for the arts, particularly Irish novelists and short story writers of the mid 20th century, the Dutch masters, classical ballet, and Mozart. He will be remembered as a uniquely devoted brother, son, uncle, and cousin.

His father, George Girard of Salem, MA predeceased him. He is survived by his mother, Michelle Girard (Darisse) of Salem, MA; his sister Rebecca Marie Girard and her husband Jeffrey Oliveira of Salem, MA; his many loving cousins, aunts, and uncles as well as his two adoring nephews, Yvon Girard Oliveira and André Joseph Oliveira.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Corey's Memorial Service which will be celebrated at the Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St, Salem, MA on Saturday, June 29th at 10 A.M. Visiting hours will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Friday, June 28th from 4 to 7 P.M. Contributions may be made in his name to Kaplan Hospice House 78 Liberty St. Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.