Robert Dean McGarity Jr., 85, of Vernon, CT passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 19, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Janet (Williams) McGarity, who he was married to for sixty years. Born on October 21, 1936, in Norwich, NY, he was the son of the late Robert Sr. and Olga (Smith) McGarity, owners of McGarity's Ice Cream. He graduated from Colgate University in 1958 and retired as the Director of Administrative Services from Travelers Insurance where he worked for thirty-eight years. He was very active in his community and held leadership positions in various organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Vernon PTO, Jaycees and Concordia Lutheran Church where he was a deacon and served on the church council, finance committee and legacy committee. He also served on numerous Town of Vernon committees, including the Water Pollution Authority, Ethics Commission and Town Council. However, of all his accomplishments, Bob was most proud of his family. In addition to his wife, Jan, he was an incredible father to Beth Hanson (West Hartford, CT) and Todd McGarity and wife Debbie (Summit, NJ), and an unbelievable grandpa to Jack and Charlie McGarity (Summit, NJ). He is also survived by his brother, Jon McGarity and wife Susan (Buckeye, AZ), and brother-in-law Paul Williams (Fairport, NY). Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Bob, knew him to be a kind, dependable and generous man who loved big band music, Broadway shows, classic movies and ice cream, and had a wonderful sense of humor. We are lucky to have had him in our lives and will hold him forever in our hearts. There will be a memorial service held at Concordia Lutheran Church, 40 Pitkin St, Manchester, CT 06040 on Saturday, June 25th at 11:00 AM immediately followed by fellowship and a celebration of Bob's life where all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory can be made to Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St, Rockville, CT 06066 (rockvillepubliclibrary.org) or to Concordia Lutheran Church, 40 Pitkin St, Manchester, CT 06040 (concordiamanchester.org). For online condolences please visit www.cremationct.com.

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Published by Hartford Courant on May 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert McGarity

Sponsored by the family.

10 Entries

Cyndee and Pete Koss

June 1, 2022

Dear Jan,
We were so saddened to learn about Bob´s passing. Our years as your neighbor at Hany Lane are among our best memories. I´m sorry we lost touch after we moved but you both remained a significant presence in our lives. We both understand the deep bond that develops after a long and loving marriage and hope you will be comforted by all the memories. We are living full time in NH now at our former vacation home on Lake Winnipausakee. Would love to reconnect whenever you like.
May the coming months bring you comfort from your loved ones and your community of friends.

Marie Mecca

May 27, 2022

Jan,I am so very sorry to learn of Bob's passing. A smile that could light up the room...I'll miss seeing him at all the spots we would meet and discuss so many things! Peace to you and your family.

Anne and Larry Owens

May 24, 2022

Dear Jan, It goes without saying that Anne and I were surprised by Bob's passing. You have our deepest sympathy for you and the family loss. I had always hoped that we could see each other at least one more time. Anne really enjoyed having great conversations with you while Bob and I remembered our high school days. Our prayers are with you and the family as you go through this time of sorrow.

Jeanne and Al Williams

May 23, 2022

Jan and Family,

We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. May God's Peace be with you.

Chip and Jane Plucker

May 23, 2022

Jan and Family,
I've met a lot of people on my painting journeys. Jan and Bob were one of the nicest couples I've ever met. Bob was such a great guy. He will be missed. We are sorry for your loss.

Carol and Dan Burnett

May 21, 2022

So sorry for the loss of Bob. He will be greatly missed by anyone that knew him. We´ll miss our lunches together. We´ll always be here for you.
Peace and love to you and the family

Thomas Mccarthy

May 21, 2022

So so sorry for your loss

Clinton Chu

May 21, 2022

We extend our condolences to the family on the passing of your loved one.

Jennifer Lockwood

May 21, 2022

Beth, Jan, Todd and family - My heart is broken for all of you. I have fond memories of spending time with you in Vernon and Bob filling up my grocery bag to take back to Boston. He had the biggest heart and loved all of you. He will be missed but as you said he has a big bowl of ice cream and will be keeping watch over all of you. Big hugs XXOO

Tina Crane

May 21, 2022

Im so sorry for your loss to you Jane and your family.
For the short while that we knew need Bob, he was a pleasure to know. He always said hello if it was when he was grilling in the grill or if I seen him in the grocery store. He will be missed.

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