GARRAHY AVCM JOHN J. GARRAHY, USN (RET), passed away on October 10th at Orange Park Medical Center after a long battle with COPD. John was born in New York City to the late John and Bridget Garrahy in 1940. He attended schools in New York City, graduating from high school in 1957. After completing a summer job, he joined the Navy in September that same year. Following recruit and technical training, he reported to Fleet Air Support Squadron Five (FASRON 5) (later AMD), Naval Air Station, Oceana, Virginia. His next duty station was Naval Station Sangley Point, The Philippines. Upon returning to the states, he completed more technical training before reporting to Patrol Squadron Sixteen (VP-16) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Completing that tour of duty, he reported to NATTC, Jacksonville for a shortened tour as an instructor at AE A school, before transferring to NAMTD 1011 (P-3) at NAS Patuxent River Maryland. His next command was Fleet Reconnaissance Squadron Four (VQ-4), also located at NAS Patuxent River. Completing those tours of duty, he returned to Jacksonville, Florida, reporting to Ait Anti-Submarine Squadron Twenty Eight (VS-28), completing deployments to the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. His next assignment was NAMTGD Cecil Field, where alongside his Marine counterpart MgySgt R. Lee Christensen, they established NAMTGDET 1039 (F/A-18). He retired from that command in October 1987. During his 30-year career, he received numerous awards and commendations including the Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medals. He is survived by wife Geraldine (Geri) of the home, Daughters Stephanie A. (Joe) Braun, Robin C. Perry, Angela M. (Gary) Norwood and sons Anthony S. and Timothy J. Garrahy, all of Orange Park, Florida. Grandchildren include Ashley M, Anglin and Garrett J. Braun. Additional survivors include sisters Patricia Zuppe and Mary O Gorman of New Jersey, Helen McAuliffe of California, and brother William Garrahy of New Jersey, and seven nieces and nephews, and 8 great nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 14, 2013 in the chapel of Jacksonville Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park. Please sign the online guestbook at www.jacksonvillememorygardens.com
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John (Jack) was my Foster Father. He and Geri took in adolescents who needed a temporary home, and I was one of them. I have nothing but respect for Jack, for all he has done for his family and our country, and for letting me live with them. Thank you Jack for all you have done. I miss you and may you find peace as you are resting with our Lord. God Bless you. Patricia Price
November 15, 2013
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