Robert Peter Girard, 84, of Butler died Friday at his home.

Born Oct. 9, 1922, in Butler, he was the son of Michael and Adeline Mendicino Girardi.

He was a retired controller for the Apex Oil Co. in St. Louis. He also served as secretary and treasurer of Butler Marine Equipment, the Thomas Marine Co., the Carman Pittsburgh Co., Inc., the Gulf Northern Co., Inc., and the Petroleum Solvents Co.

A graduate of Duff's IronCity College, he served in the Army Air Corps in World War II.

Mr. Girard was a member of St. Michael of the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the YMCA in Butler.

Surviving are his wife, Betty J. Peters Girard, to whom he was married to for 56 years; a son, Michael R. Girard of Columbus; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Elaine)Lalle of Pittsburgh and Mrs. David (Cheryl) Rensel of Butler; a sister,Frances Betty of Butler; and four grandchildren, Ryan and Dustin Lalle of Pittsburgh, and Eric and Alyssa Rensel of Butler.

He was preceded in death by a son, Brian L. Girard, and a sister, Marie Girardi.

<B>GIRARD</B> — Friends of Robert Peter Girard, who died Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at <B>Martin Funeral Home</B>, 429 Center Ave.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Michael the ArchangelRoman Catholic Church with the Rev. Father James Dolan, pastor, officiating.Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery.The Bereavement Group of St. Michael the Archangel Parish will meet at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home to conduct a Scriptural Wake Service.Information also is available at www.martinfh.net.