Joseph J. Garrity

Joseph J. Garrity Joseph J. Garrity, 49 of, Morton, PA, formerly of Aldan and Collingdale, passed away peacefully on Friday April 22, 2022, surrounded by his family in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA after a lengthy battle with CVID. Born in Darby, PA, he was the son of William J. Garrity and the late Margaret (Walsh) Garrity. Joe was raised in Aldan, PA. He attended Saint Eugene’s Catholic School in Primos. Joe loved playing for Aldan Boys Club and CYO sports. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1991, then began working as a police dispatcher for Delaware County where he worked until April 2006. Joe graduated from Delaware County Community College with a degree in Business Management in 1998. Joe graduated from Mercer County Community College in 2002 with his degree in Mortuary Science. He used this degree to work for various funeral homes around Delaware County. He primarily worked for Kevin M. Lyons Funeral Service in Glenolden. Joe then attended the Delaware County Police Academy which he graduated from in 2005. Joe was eager to continue his education and graduated with his Bachelor of Science from Neumann University in 2016. On March 30, 2006, Joe was sworn in as a police officer and began working as a patrol officer in the township of Upper Darby. He retired from the Police Department on a service-connected disability on October 1, 2014. He worked as a substitute teacher for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit at Chichester Middle School starting in 2018. He was also employed as operations manager for Mainline Protection Services. He obtained his insurance licenses and worked for Primerica Insurance and Financial Services. Joe received his real estate license and began working for Keller Williams Real Estate – Media in July of 2021. Joe was a member of St. Eugene’s Church. He belonged to the Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police, FOP Lodge #27 since October 2006, as well as the Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police. In November 1988 he became a member of the Collingdale Fire Company #1 where he served as an active member from 1988 – 2009. In 2008 he achieved his lifetime membership from Collingdale #1. During his years at Collingdale #1, Joe was an Engineer, served on the Board of Trustees and was a delegate for the Relief Association. He was a member of Pennsylvania and Delaware County Fireman’s’ Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus De Lasalle #590, where he served as Chancellor and Advocate. Joe enjoyed and cherished his time with family and friends especially his dad, nephew Aiden, and niece Emma. His dad was his best friend and he looked up to him with following him in his footsteps. Joe was very devoted to his late mother, Marti especially during her illness. He loved taking Aiden to Philadelphia Sports games especially the Phillies and Sixers games. He enjoyed teaching Emma how to take care of his dog, Buddy. In prior years of good health, Joe enjoyed trips to Myrtle Beach to golf with his dad and friends. He enjoyed spending time at his family condominium in Sea Isle, NJ. Joe loved having people over at his house to enjoy the swimming pool. He was always open to sharing his home for others to enjoy. Joe loved spending holidays with his family, especially Christmas. We always wondered what suit Joe would wear Christmas morning to watch Aiden and Emma open presents. Joe loved going to restaurants with his family and friends. Joe loved taking care of his Boxer, Buddy. Buddy was a loyal companion to Joe since 2014, and he took pride in spoiling Buddy right down to the oatmeal baths with a spa day. Joe always said, “I lived a good life. Life is not measured by years; it is measured by what you have done in those years and who was in your life”. Survived by his devoted father William (Diane nee Chesna) Garrity, loving brother of Kathleen I. (Joe) Mellek and Patricia L. (Angelo) Marchesani. Cherished Uncle to Aiden and Emma Mellek, A.J. and Nicholas Marchesani. He is survived by his 4 Aunts, Marian, Helen, and Peggy Garrity and Irene Byrne. He is also survived by several cousins. He leaves behind his loyal Boxer, Buddy. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Kevin M. Lyons Funeral Service, 202 S. Chester Pike, Glenolden, PA 19036. A second visitation will be held at Saint Eugene’s Church, 200 Oak Lane, Primos-Secane on Monday, May 2, 2022, from 9:30 – 10:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will be Monday in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield. The below memorial donations were close to Joe’s heart. Joe appreciated and valued the care he received at the National Institute of Health (NIH). He hoped the research would one day help others who suffer with CVID and improve their quality of life. Joe was immensely proud to serve as police officer and would have appreciated donations to the Memorial fund. Memorial donations can be made to Foundation for the National Institute of Health, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, North Bethesda, MD 20852. https://www.fnih.org/donate-now and/or Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation P.O. Box 101 Media, PA 19063. Online condolences can be placed on www.lyonsfs.com