James E. Garrity

1933 - 2022

James E. Garrity, born in Monaca, Pa., son of James Garrity and Mary Ofcharka Garrity (Koko), died peacefully in his sleep in Dunkirk, N.Y., close to his summer home at Van Buren Point, N.Y. after valiantly fighting non-small cell lung cancer. He resided in Rancho Mirage, Calif., during the winter months. Jim was a devoted father and grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was very social, enjoyed playing cards and loved tennis, football and all things Penn State and Joe Paterno. He was a dedicated friend, sustaining relationships from his college days and forming deep connections with new friends wherever he went. He had an abiding love for all animals; there were always many pets in the Garrity household. Jim had nicknames for all of the special people in his life. He was preceded by his wife of 37 years, Gail Smith Garrity "Geeg"; survived by his life partner of 30 years, Julie Allen "Sweet Pea"; five children and one stepson, Debi Aarthun "Duchess" (Shellton Jean Baptiste), James "Duke" Garrity (Gery Garrity), Pam Stavros "Flipper," Gregg Garrity "Mike" (Linda Garrity), Wendi Garrity Fitler "Bussaroo" (Rob Fitler), Michael Brown "Sparky" (Rachel Brown); eight grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Jim was an accomplished football athlete at Penn State. He was Joe Paterno's first recruit and led receptions for the team in 1953 and 1954. He was team co-captain and made the winning final extra point to win the East West Shrine game for the East in 1955. He was recruited to play in the NFL but chose to marry Gail Smith. They raised their family in Wexford and Bradford Woods where the children were involved in many sports. Jim was on the North Allegheny School Board and many of those years presided as president. While raising his children, he was very involved in the Ingomar Methodist Church, working with the young adults. Professionally, he owned and operated two small manufacturing and metal finishing companies. He was larger than life in many respects, an inspiration to all who knew and loved him, and is sorely missed. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the North Allegheny Athletics Hall of Fame in Jim's name: Donate electronically at www.mightycause.com/event/NahalloffameClick "DONATE" and complete the payment information. Pay by mail with a check made payable to "North Allegheny Athletics." Please add "NAA HOF FC" to the check memo line. Please mail to North Allegheny Senior High School, Athletic Office, 10375 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090. Friends are invited for a service at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, at the H.P. BRANDT FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Burial will be private for family only, but please join us for a celebration of Jim's life from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Walnut Grill, 12599 Perry Highway, Wexford. Everyone please wear casual attire in blue and white for PSU!