Rev. Bernard O. McGarty

We just found out that Father McGarty passed in May. He was a great and meticulous chronicler of our family. He visited us in New York several times and we enjoyed plays and dinners with him here. I was present in Rome for his defense of his thesis which was impressive. He baptized our son. We always enjoyed his company. We will miss him. Meg and Tom McGarrity.

Father McGarty had a deep and genuine interest in community. My favorite memory is when he appeared at a City Hall meeting to, in his booming clear voice, officially register to the Council his displeasure with the new electronic billboard on Hwy 16. He was a sincere friend to the Jewish community in La Crosse and I also remember him on stage at Viterbo in discussion with Rabbi Prombaum. I will miss him.

An especially enjoyable experience of my assignment in La Crosse as hospital chaplain was getting to know Monsignor Mcgarty and his dear sister. They invited the friars to their home for wonderful dinners. It was like stepping back in time to a more gracious era. I will celebrate a Mass for Fr Bernard in our friary chapel.

Msgr. McGarty has been a life-long friend and source of inspiration. God bless you, 'Bernie'. You are a delight.

It was wonderful to meet Fr McGarty. He was so full of energy. He was so cheerful and kind to so many he will never be forgotten. I had the pleasure of working with him on a project and learned so much from him. My deepest condolenses to all of his family. Colleen McCauley

My condolences to the family and friends of Fr McGarty. I enjoyed his visits and friendship while he frequently visited Fr Jim McCauley in Brownsville where I was a caregiver. They shared their love for the priesthood and their pride in their Irish heritage. May they both, now, rest in peace.

We enjoyed the man as a great priest.

Bernie did so much for my family I will miss him I enjoyed our talks he meant the world to me God Bless Him