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Calvin Garber Obituary
Pittsford: June 7, 2015, age 90. Survived by the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Mary Forrest Garber; children Elizabeth Garber [Charles] Van Anden, Mary Deborah Garber [David] Versfelt, and Jonathan Forrest [Bonnie Fought] Garber; and grandchildren Sarah Van Anden, Ian [Abby] Van Anden, Christopher [Katie] Versfelt, William [engaged to Laura Solecki] Versfelt, Kathryn Versfelt, Christopher Garber, Elisabeth Garber, and Julianna Garber.
Born to parents Calvin and Mary [Shafer] Garber in Barnesville PA on 10/29/1924. He graduated from Ursinus College after serving in the US Army in WWII, and earned a PhD in physical chemistry from Penn State University. He and Mary were married in 1947, and moved to Rochester NY in 1951 where Calvin started work as a research chemist at Eastman Kodak. During his 30+ year career at Kodak, his areas of expertise included physical chemistry, multi-lingual applications, and supporting Kodak's significant patent portfolio. Calvin served in numerous leadership roles at Third Presbyterian Church, where was an active member since 1952. He was a long-time board member of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Calvin and Mary lived for nearly fifty years in the home they built on Lake Road in Webster, overlooking an idyllic duck pond. Central to his beliefs and search for truth and justice was a dedicated Group of close friends who met weekly for over 30 years to explore social and religious issues. Calvin and Mary moved to Cloverwood in Pittsford in 2011. His great exuberance and enthusiastic presence were with him all of his life.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 1 PM at the Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street [at East Avenue], Rochester NY. In his memory donations may be made to Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Third Presbyterian Church, United Way, or Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Online Condolences welcomed at:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Calvin Garber
Shawnta Mitchell
June 26, 2015
Love is an action word, Mr. Garber you lived a lifestyle of Love.
You showed love and kindness to all.
The world will miss your loving nature.
Thank you for loving the family of Sarah Virginia Mitchell- Harris.
Ellen Vanas - Gertzog
June 15, 2015
The Garber family (and the Beyers) are the source of many of my happiest childhood memories - singing Gilbert and Sullivan, skating on the bay, picking peaches and playing at the new house. I will always remember Cal's big voice, bigger smile and sincere interest in the thoughts of even the smallest children. I drive by your old house often on the way to Temple Beth David, or to visit Bernie and Sylvia Roth, and I never fail to think of all of you. May your happy memories be a comfort. Love to all- Ellen (Vanas) Gertzog.
Kris, Scott and Isaac Fought
June 14, 2015
We are thankful for so many fond memories of Cal and his "Lover" Mary. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her loving family.
Don & Gail Fought
June 12, 2015
To Each of You and to Your Family Together:
We shall be close in our Thoughts and Prayers over this sorrowful time... The Family created by Cal and Mary is the living proof of their unparralled warmth, humanty, and graciousness. YOU are Cal's legacy... and nothing could bring him more Joy. May your memories of Him return that joy to you !
Sincerely,
Don & Gail
Bernard Gershenson
June 11, 2015
My heart and thoughts are with Mary and the rest of the Garber family, and the remaining members of his beloved Thursday Morning Group.
Pati Primerano
June 11, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to, most of all, Mary, and to the whole family. I didn't get to see Cal very often lately, but when Mary was in the choir at Third, I got to know them both. I'm so glad to have had the chance to know Cal. He will be greatly missed. Peace and light to all...
Emily Moskowitz
June 11, 2015
I've known and loved Mary and Cal for over forty- five years. They were like grandparents to my children and loving friends to me. I spent many happy hours with them on Lake Road and at our dinner table. Cal and I regularly cooked together, sometimes to Mary's horror and surprise at the results.
Bob and I tried to visit as regularly as we could and last went to Pittsford about a year and a half ago. We tried to keep in regular touch by phone.
We will always miss him. He was a person who truly lived what he believed.
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Crawford Funeral Home Inc495 N Winton Rd PO Box 10280, Rochester, NY 14610
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