Matthew-Garvey-Obituary

Matthew David Garvey

Obituary

A Life Dedicated to Service

For those who are anxious or tired or losing focus on the war effort, the friends of Matthew Garvey would like you to consider his life.

`It was a life dedicated to the service of the people of America," said his friend, Rick Helton, who served with him in the Marine Corps.

Matthew Garvey enlisted in 1981 at the age of 18. In his 10-year career, he would make sergeant and become a squad leader in 2nd Anglico, an elite scout team that went into hostile territory ahead of ground troops. He served in Beirut and in operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

Mr. Garvey, 37, joined the Fire Department in 1995 and earned his way into the elite Squad 1 unit based in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

He was recently accepted to law school, was an active Marine reservist, studied Kung Fu, played guitar, took photographs, climbed to the summit of Mount Rainier and was a rescue instructor for the Fire Department. Books on his nightstand included: Don Quixote, War and Peace, The Iliad, Moby Dick. "No one word can describe him," said his friend and stationhouse mate Gerald Smyth.

There are three: New York firefighter.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Matt, September 11th, 2023 there was a beautiful rainbow over NYC, I am sure God was remembering our heroes. I will always remember you. Rest easy Matt

On 9.9.23, I was part of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (home of the Green Bay Packers) Thank you to Pierce Manufacturing Inc. for putting on this special event. I was honored to represent Matthew David Garvey, Firefighter, Elite Squad 1 Unit, based in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I thought of his bravery, not only for that day, but how he served our country as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines and as a Squad Leader in 2nd Anglico. With every step, I reflected...

I knew you as Sgt. Garvey, among ANGLICO´s NCOs and officers we also referred to you as SGt. Rock because you were exactly that, a rock. We had a fine group of Marines but you stood out as solid, dependable and caring NCO who always displayed so much integrity. I´ll remember you not just for your unwavering dependability but your loyalty and intelligence Semper Fi M Garvey and god bless you

Matthew, It's been 20 years, I will never forget your sacrifice, Rest easy. Sue

RIP Brother, you're sorely missed. Semper Fi!!!

Thinking of you and your family today. I named my son in your honor 19 years ago. Matthew started college a few days ago and is studying to be a pharmacist. Through the years I often referenced the virtuous and righteous qualities that Matthew David Garvey portrayed in life. Thank you for always being our hero and inspiration.

Matthew,
Thinking of you now, and always, Rest in Peace
my friend. You will always be my hero. Susan Garvey McChesney

Matt was a classmate of mine in high school. Among other classes we were in the same homeroom for 4 years. Although I did not remain in touch with him beyond high school, I remembered him fondly as a bright, humorous and kind young man. Clearly he was a brave and selfless person to have served his country, not only in the military but also as a firefighter who gave his life while trying to save others from the worst attack on US soil that we have known thus far.

Gunny, I often remember you not only on this day. Your picture finds a place s in every work space I'm at reminding me to try to be half the person you were. I like being asked, "Who's the guy in the picture?" I consider myself lucky to have known you and proud to say as much. I guess what weighs heavy in my heart on the 11th, is my hope that however your moment came to meet our Lord, that you might not have suffered. It still unsettles me after 18 years. As your sister...