William "Marshall" Girouard, 95, of Avery Heights, Hartford, and a long time resident of East Hartford, peacefully passed away the morning of October 26th 2017 in the company of his loving family. He was born in Central Falls, R.I. on April 4, 1922 where he grew up the devoted son of Alphe and Anna Girouard. Shortly after graduating from St. Raphaels Academy in Pawtucket, he enlisted in the U.S Coast Guard, serving during WWII as an engine mate on the escort destroyer USS Hearst. Their duties at first were to protect the supply convoys to Europe and later on they went to the pacific theater to search countless uncharted islands for downed pilots. After his discharge from the service at the end of the war he joined his parents who had moved to East Hartford where he began to work for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. It was also at this time when he met the love of his life, Betty Gustafson, and they would remain devoted to each other for the next 70 years, 60 of them in the same house on Oak St. Marshall and Betty were fortunate to have over 55 years of wonderful summers spent with family and dear friends at their cherished cottage in West Dennis, Ma. Marshall is survived by his wife of over 66 years Betty and their three sons, David and his wife Barbara of Windsor, Robert and his wife Susan of West Granby, and Gary of Wethersfield. He is also survived by his two grandchildren Katie and Erica and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Evelyn and his two nieces Cheryl and Nancy. He was also predeceased by his grandson Brian. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful people at Avery Heights, including Georgia, Shenique, Nikki,Sharon, Kiki, Steve and John who lovingly helped care for him the last three years. There are no calling hours. Donations in memory of Marshall can be made to "Protectors of Animals" or "The CT Humane Society". William’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Wethersfield.