GIRARD, Richard A.

Richard A. Girard, 99, of Peoria, Arizona, died May 15, 2003. He was born in Mahaffey, PA, December 28, 1903, and attended public schools in Pennsylvania and New York, graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School. He then began a long association with New York University, where he obtained his Sc.B, MA and PhD (Philosophy, 1934) degrees. He was appointed an assistant in the Department of Economics, Washington Square campus, in 1928, and advanced through academic ranks, teaching at college and graduate levels. He also served as Director of Evening Studies, from 1932 to 1949. He retired in 1972, as Professor Emeritus of Economics. He remained an active educator and alumnus, receiving the Meritorious Service Award from the Alumni Foundation. During World War II, on leave from NYU, he served the Federal government as section head in the Office of Price Administration, and then Office of Temporary Controls (Executive Office of the President). At various times, he served as consultant for NY State Tax Commission, Regents Study on Public Education, NY State Constitutional Convention Committee, and other agencies. His writings include "The Scope for Uniformity in State Tax Systems" and "Rationing in WWII." He edited and contributed to "American Economic Behavior" and articles by him have appeared in various publications, including "The New York Times," "Christian Science Monitor," "Arizona Republic" and "Daily News Sun." He was a member of the American Economic Association, National Tax Association and University Club of Sun City (which he once served as President). A member of the Masonic Order, he was active in Continental Lodge #287 (NY City), where he served as Grand Master for several years. He is survived by his wife Mary Sabel Girard, and numerous nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2003, 10:30 a.m., The Church of the Palms, 14808 Boswell Blvd., Sun City, AZ with a reception following at the church. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to New York University (noted for the Richard A. Girard Memorial Fund), c/o Alan Shapiro, Director of Gift Planning, 25 W. 4th Street, NY, NY 10012. Funds will be used for scholarships (tuition) in the field of economics. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/19/2003.