Joseph Giroux, born December 24, 1949 passed away September 1, 2012 at the age of 62. He is survived by his wife of 25 years Rhea Melrose Giroux and his two daughters, Raquel Gordon and Lucia Giroux. Joseph was the eldest of eight children of Clayton and Dorothea Giroux. Raised in Sacramento, he received a BA in Music from U.C. Davis, then an MA in Music Composition from Queens College, City University of New York. He lived most of his adult life in Santa Cruz. A systems analyst by trade and a composer by vocation, Joseph loved music, the outdoors, birds, travel, and all arts, including singing in the Cabrillo Symphony Chorus. Joseph lived life joyfully, with great humor and intelligence. His love and guidance will be deeply missed by his adoring wife, his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to Audubon Society, Sierra Club or The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF.org) which helps children in India. Non-denominational service to be held 11:30 AM, Sept. 22, 2012 at Calvary Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 7101 Verner Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95841. Celebration of life 1:00 Sept 29, Oakwood Chapel, S.C. Memorial, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz. Reception will follow.