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Garrett LaFranco Obituary
This obituary is for the luckiest man in the world.
Lucky to have had an unbelievably strong, loving, and forgiving mother who taught me much more than she ever realized. Mom, when I knock on Heaven's door I hope that you are the one who opens it.
Lucky to have had a stepfather, I have never really referred to him as stepfather before and it feels peculiar, who treated me as his own and who taught me through example that there is nothing that I cannot do. Dad, I can't thank you enough, I love you.
Lucky to have had a sister and brothers who were there for each other on those occasions when we needed help. I'm sorry that I won't be around any more to pull my weight.
Lucky to have married the most amazing woman I ever met, Terri. My life immeasurably changed the day I met her. I went from a young man with no direction to one who wanted nothing more in life than to spend the rest of his days loving her. Terri, it has been wonderful beyond words. I regret that I can not live out the rest of your life with you and I hope that you find someone who can.
Lucky to have been a father to two amazing children. Amanda, my fiery little redhead, whose strength and determination have always far exceeded her physical stature, a trait that I have always been very proud of. I admire her sophisticated sense of humor and work ethic. Amanda, that screenplay is inside you, don't get so caught up in the banality of everyday life that you never put it on paper. Alexander, who is too much like me when I was a young man, I look upon him with the prideful eyes of a father. Compassion is a trait that I saw in him at a very early age and it is an admirable trait indeed. He is deceptively empathetic with a keen insight into the feelings of others. Alexander, use these gifts that you have to help those around you. (Amanda, your brother will dance with you on your wedding day and I will be there to make sure he doesn't step on your toes.)
Lucky to have befriended so many wonderful people that I have met through my small camera store here in Sussex County. The kindness and love that you have shown me throughout this illness has been a source of strength, it would have been hard to fight as long as I have without that, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Lucky to have been touched by the grace of God. Lord, I am sure that I am not worthy of the kindness that you have bestowed upon me, but I am truly grateful and humbled by it.
- Garrett LaFranco
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity. A memorial commemoration will be held Sunday, Aug. 20, at Andre's Lakeside Dining, Sparta. A time will be set at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Garrett LaFranco
Sponsored by The New Jersey Herald and njherald.com.
Thomas Singerline
July 24, 2025
Condolences to the LaFranco family. I was a neighbor in Kenwood Village growing up as a kid in Hackettstown. Gary was always a great guy. A truly good human being. I'm sorry to hear about his passing.
Bill White
September 7, 2017
Garry. My old friend and mentor from the days of Shutterbug Ed's. As a young teen, you drew me in with the kindness, generosity, and attention of a humble leader. I wanted to be like you. A professional with a heart...and a fun guy, too! :-) I mean, who ever heard of the neighbors calling the police on account of playing Tchaikovsky too loud?
I've witnessed Garry help so many people, and truly *want* to do so. He helped me get serious about excellence, and he was my friend, as he was to so many. His laugh was awesome! I love you my friend.
I offer my sorrows *and* the joys of so many memories to you, Terri, Amanda, and Alex and I pray God blesses you all with His peace as only He can. Amen!
Tyrone Baskerville
August 21, 2017
A great guy to know and love. Will be missed
Pete Klapper
August 21, 2017
One of nicest people it has been my honor to know.
Robert Langenburg
August 19, 2017
such a knowledgeable and friendly presence always...I will miss him as will many others...our local world is not the same without him....
Andrew, Jo Ann Christopher Hayter
August 17, 2017
Terri, Amanda and Alex. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. He truly was a great person that brought happiness to everyone he met. We remember first meeting your family at swimming lessons when Chris and Alex were about 4 years old. We also remember frolicking in our pool on those hot summer days followed by a barbecue and the kids looking at the rings of Saturn through Garry's telescope. His love for his family will never end and he will be with you always for the rest of your lives.
Please know that Garry and you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Marion Flood
August 16, 2017
My deepest condolences Terri, Alex & Amanda...I believe that all of us who knew Garry in one way or another were the lucky ones. Garry was such a kind, generous & warmhearted person. He gave of himself so much to the community especially through his love of photography. During my years as Sparta Camera Club President Garry never turned down my requests for various judgings/critiques or workshops. He was so giving of his time & so very sincere. Garry had a great one-on-one rappore when he talked to you, making you feel like you were the most important person he could be talking with at the time. One summer not long ago I ran into Garry's shop right after vacation. My camera had shut down mid vacay with lens trouble. Garry had my camera fixed & had also rescued my media pix in less than 20 minutes! Garry would only take my many thank you's, a most modest & caring spirit. Thank you again, Garry, for your love & generosity to us all! WE were lucky & fortunate to know you! We will miss you! R.I.P.
JoAnne Daniels
August 7, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear about Garry's passing.
When he had his camera shop in Newton, he gave me a lot of help getting the photographs I so badly wanted. His kind and generous spirit will be missed.
Prayers for the LaFranco family.
August 4, 2017
Amanda an Alex Sorry to hear about your dad. I only meet him a few times but he was one proud dad. You could see the love in his eyes when he talked about you.
God Bless Mr. C Sussex Middle School
Terri Iannacone
August 3, 2017
Dear Terri, Amanda, and Alexander. I don't know if you will have the chance to read this, but please know that if you need anything - anything at all - call on me and I'll do what I can. Garry's is a loving and generous soul, and I am sure that he will always be with you as Steve is with me.
Laraine Kensicki
August 3, 2017
It doesn't surprise me to see all these thoughtful condolences, and I would like to add mine. Mr. LaFranco was a member of the businessman's committee who interviewed a number our Kittatinny High School seniors each year for scholarship consideration. I was secretary in the Guidance Office, where the student interviews were conducted. Even in the brief time I chatted with Mr. LaFranco each year, I could tell he was a warm, sincere, and kind man. I'm sure he'll be greatly missed.
Theresa Snyder-Kampka
August 3, 2017
My prayers to Garry's family and friends.
Linda Landiak-Bender
August 2, 2017
Just wanted to say I am shocked by this news. My sympathy to all of the living that Gary left behind. I am an old school mate of Gary's from Hackettstown High School class of '77. I sat in back of Gary for 4 years in homeroom. Also was in yearbook for 3 years with him also. I didn't know he was ill and am saddened to hear he is gone. RIP Gary. Too young to have passed on.
tracy pulling
August 2, 2017
I am very saddened to hear about Garrys passing. I have fond Childhood, High scholl memories of him. I remember all the times he would come to our house with my older Brother Keith Pulling, for dinner, or parties that my brother was having. he always made me feel like i was one of his friends too. He always made sure that when my brother was having parties at our house, that i was included. I was a freshman at the time, so it was a big deal to be able to attend a party with upper class man, even if it was at my house. He saved me from the wrath of freshman intiation week, and when he stepped up and told them who little sister i was i was safe for the rest of the week. I was always grateful for that. Garry was a kind and compassionate person. He is now resting in peace and looking. down upon his family and friends. My sincere condolances to his family
Herb and Roberta Watson
August 2, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of Garry's passing. We have been out of touch since we moved to Maine. But Herb always loved working for Garry in the store and we enjoyed his friendship for all those years. Our sympathy to Terri and all his family, he truly was a wonderful guy!!
August 1, 2017
Just recently learned from Ryan of this very sad news. My husband and I are so deeply sorry for your loss. Gary was such a wonderful, positive, warm and caring man. He adored his family and proudly admitted it. He treasured every minute he could have with his wife and children.
He was a pleasure to talk to and do business with. He was generous and supportive of the volunteer charity, I run (IES Brain Research Foundation). I (we) truly feel he was a bright light and the world is a little less bright, due to his passing. I enjoyed every conversation I had with Gary and I always felt uplifted by his amazing positive attitude, even through his amazing fight!!! He will be missed by so many, including me and my husband. Again, sincere and deep condolences. If there ever is anything I (we) can do - Ryan has my number. May time and wonderful memories ease your pain.
Faye Simon Harac
Melanie Vanni
July 31, 2017
Garry, Through your lens is perhaps how God sees us. Every frame is different. The timing and lighting is always changing; as our lives are forever changing. We would see something and capture it with a click.. like a memory we held in our hearts. The editing was so forgiving… a little crop here, a little retouch there… and we were good to go. Our subjects were not always as they seemed - there was always room for adjustment. Just like how we might see ourselves or how others might see us.
Sharing your talent and passion through your teaching is a gift to all of us. God gives us many gifts and you are one of them, Garry. The pictures through your lens, through your eyes and through your soul speak volumes with a sweet, gentle magnitude. Your awareness, thoughtfulness and kindness are monumental…. yet they seem to just settle calmly on us. We see a certain Star Wars poster every morning and every night…. another reminder of how sweet you are… yes, are… present tense.
You and I went from sitting in the back yard clicking away at the over zealous blue jays picking up peanuts, to you being just an email away while I was on a polar bear excursion in Canada… During your memorial I will be in the Swiss Alps…. taking pictures…. trying to make you proud… teaching Garrett what you taught me… visit us there, will you? A gentle breeze, a butterfly or perhaps a bird who just gets in the perfect frame; any sign will do.
Your family is very blessed and your love for them along with your faith will continue to sustain them.
Autumn Struble
July 31, 2017
I'm so so sorry thank you for all the years of joy now you are free to rest in peace xoxo
Jodi Jacobus
July 31, 2017
Dr. LaFranco, Amanda and Alex, Garry's legacy will live on forever and he'll always be by your side. Keep his memories near and dear to your heart and he will guide you along the way! With love and Prayers xoxo
lena shugart
July 31, 2017
To Terri, Alexander, and Amanda,
You are in my thought and prayers.
Lena Lanfranca Shugart
[email protected]
Leah Marie Kirk
July 31, 2017
Thank you Garry for all your wisdom and for being responsible for my wanting to be a better photographer but most of all for your friendship. My condolences to your family.
Bob & Joanne Stiff
July 31, 2017
Our condolences and prayers to Terri and family. Gary was a good
friend and fellow photographer .
Blake Ellman
July 30, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear that Garry has passed. I knew him many years ago when he had his camera shop in Newton. He was always such a nice, kindhearted guy.
Bob Kays
July 30, 2017
Gary was one in a million. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fr bill Collins
July 30, 2017
Terri, Amanda & Alexander, my deepest sympathies. You are in my prayers.
Fr. Bill.
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