In Memoriam: Girard S. Clothier, Nov. 26, 2011

3:21 p.m., Dec. 19, 2011--Girard S. Clothier, 66, of West Mt. Airy, Pa., died on Nov. 26.

In 1967, Mr. Clothier graduated from the University of Delaware, where he was an accounting major. He served as president of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity in his senior year. 

In 2005, he and his wife, Sharon, established the Girard S. and Sharon R. Clothier "EGG" Scholarship for Women's Athletics at UD, to support a female athlete who best exhibits the enjoyment of her sport and life in general, the giving of herself to teammates and others and growth in athletics and life overall. 

After college, he joined Price Waterhouse before serving three years in the U.S. Navy as a supply officer. He later attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, receiving his MBA in finance in 1973. 

A resident of the East Falls section of Philadelphia in the 1970s, Mr. Clothier transferred to Dallas in 1981, where he worked for Price Waterhouse in its management consulting practice and was admitted to the firm’s partnership. He returned to Philadelphia in February 1982 when he accepted the position as vice president of finance for the Phillies.

During his Phillies career, Mr. Clothier served as a trustee for the Pension Committee of the Major League Baseball Players Benefit Plan. He was also a member of Major League Baseball’s Non-Uniformed Personnel Pension Plan Committee. In addition, he served on the initial task force for Major League Baseball’s captive insurance entity.

As a board member of Phillies Charities Inc., he served an instrumental role in financial matters for the team’s charitable affiliate.

Mr. Clothier was also active in the community serving as a trustee for the Free Library of Philadelphia. From 1996-2000, he was on the Board of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, an appointment by Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell. He also was a member of the University of Delaware Visiting Committee on Athletics.

In September 2011, Mr. Clothier was honored with the Richie Ashburn Special Achievement Award, which is given annually to a member of the Phillies organization who has demonstrated loyalty, dedication and passion for the game. 

To many Phillies employees, Mr. Clothier was more than an executive. He served as a mentor, teacher, friend, big brother and fatherly figure and was widely respected. 

“For the past 30 years, Jerry made an enormous contribution to the Phillies and the game of baseball. His engaging personality endeared him to all who knew him. He was more than a colleague, he was a dear friend to all of us,” said David Montgomery, Phillies president and CEO.

“Jerry was someone I truly loved, as did many others. He was very talented, funny, courageous, caring and a fantastic family man. I’m filled with wonderful memories of a very special person, memories that will be with me forever,” said Bill Giles, Phillies chairman.

Jimmy and Johari Rollins issued the following statement: “We are grateful for our friendship with Jerry and the Clothier family and the key role they played in our future lives together.” It was through the Clothier family that Johari first became associated with the Phillies. 

“All of us at Major League Baseball are deeply saddened by the loss of Jerry Clothier, an outstanding executive who served the Phillies with excellence since 1982. Jerry contributed greatly to this golden era of Phillies baseball that continues at Citizens Bank Park, but his skills benefited our industry as a whole in a number of ways. Jerry was a committee member on the Players Pension Plan for decades and served as a trustee on Major League Baseball’s Non-Uniformed Personal Pension Plan Committee for more than 10 years. He generously shared his expertise on a number of other committees including revenue sharing and sound financial practices. On behalf of Major League Baseball and the Clubs throughout our game, I extend my deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Sherry, their daughters, Amy and Kelly, and their grandchildren,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Riggs Clothier, a 1969 UD alumna; daughters Amy Gaudion, and husband Julien, and Kelly Weston and husband Dane; grandchildren Nora, Peter, James and Henry Gaudion and Vance Weston; and his brother Robert Clothier Jr. and wife Nancy.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Phillies Charities Inc., Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148 or to the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.