David Joseph Girardin, 81, of West Simsbury, beloved husband of Stella (Nascimbeni) Girardin, died Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Hartford Hospital. He was born October 4, 1938 in Rumford, ME, son of the late Donat and Victoria Girardin and had lived in Hartford prior to moving to the home he personally built in Simsbury 55 years ago. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Dave owned and operated Girardin Pest Control for many years and was currently with Battison Dry Cleaning. Dave was an accomplished carpenter and furniture maker as well as member of the Simsbury Camera Club and the Connecticut Audubon Society. A lifelong photography enthusiast, he graduated from the New York Institute of Photography in 1963. In recent years he turned his camera to the natural world and local barns and covered bridges. His work has been featured in magazines and calendars. Dave also lead workshops and displayed his work in local art shows and galleries including shows at White Memorial Foundation and CT Audubon events. In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, he is survived by his daughter, Sandra J. Girardin and husband Nick Meszaros; his son, Matthew Girardin; two sisters, Racheal Paradise and Sr:Jean Girardin; brothers-in-law, Ben Nascimbeni and wife Barbara and Lou Nascimbeni; sisters-in-law, Jeannie Zappalorti and husband Alvaro and Mary Caserta; grandchildren, David R. Girardin and Julie Girardin, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, David A. Girardin; sister, Sr:Gertrude Girardin and Hortence Robaker and a brother-in-law, Richard Caserta. Dave will be remembered by us all for his quick smile and bright blue eyes. He was known as true gentleman, for his deep devotion to Stella, the love of his life, and for being quick to offer a story or a joke while being a man of integrity, respectful to all. David’s family will receive friends at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Tuesday, November 19th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 20th at the Church of Saint Ann, 289 Arch Road in Avon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr, Wallingford, CT 06492 or to the CT Audubon Society, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Please visit David’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.