Michael Garn Menapace

Menapace, Michael Garn

Falls, PA: Michael Garn Menapace died from complications of a brain lesion on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at Geisinger Hospital in Danville PA. He was born on April 9, 1952 in Syracuse NY, and graduated from Alfred University in 1971. For many years, he lived and worked in Ithaca, NY. In 1991 he moved to Falls, PA.

Although he was accepted at Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, he attended the less expensive Alfred University, where he learned how to turn wood.

Garn turned and carved elegant wood sculptures and bowls. He was always on the lookout for newly cut trees for this work, and people often gave him exotic woods. At home, Garn also created gardens, garden sculptures, bonsai trees, and fishponds.

Since 1996, he has been a caregiver for adolescent boys at St. Michael's School (now Eihab), a residential treatment center in Tunkhannock PA. Garn was wonderful with the boys, teaching them to draw, cook, and garden, and enjoying them even when they seemed impossibly difficult.

Garn leaves his beloved wife Laurie Ellen Albro, in Falls; his brother-and-sister-in-laws, Harry and Linda Kellow also of Falls; Crystal and Robert Rutan of Owego; Wells and Phyllis Albro of Rochester; niece Jesse Capitano (Tony) and their children Sam and Chris; nephew David Kellow (Jessica Lincoln) of Scranton; mother Carol Garn Menapace and brother James Menapace Jr. of Fairmount NY. He was predeceased by his father, James Menapace. A memorial service will be held at the West Falls Baptist Church, 204 Church St., Falls, PA, at 1 p.m. on February 27. In lieu of flowers, please give to an environmental or nature group that involves children.