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Thomas Garrity Obituary
November 8, 1944 - June 15, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky - Thomas (Tom) Francis Garrity, 80, of Lexington, KY, passed away peacefully on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.
Born on November 8, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA, Tom was the son of Vincent Thomas Garrity and Frances Kuhn Garrity. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Fr. Stephen Garrity. He is survived by his sister, Helen Fecak, and brother, John Garrity.
Tom is also survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Ann Rawding Garrity, and their three daughters: Jeannie Long (Rob), Katie Chamberlain (Kurt), and Beth Lee (Stephen). Known lovingly as "Opa," Tom leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren: Devon Burns (John), Delaney Long, Deidra Long, Delia Long, Drew Long, Dani Long, Redden Bugg, Maya Chamberlain, Alice Lee, and Morgan Lee. He also leaves behind his great grandson and consummate playmate, Declan Long.
Tom attended Saint Joe's Preparatory High School in Philadelphia, PA, and then went on to College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, graduating in 1965. He later earned his doctorate from Duke University. After graduation, he and Ann moved from Durham, NC, to Lexington, KY, where Tom joined the University of Kentucky College of Medicine's Department of Behavioral Science. Over the course of his career, he served as a professor, mentor, researcher, and department chair before retiring in 2012. In 1989, Tom was honored as a UK Fellow, a recognition of his commitment to academic excellence and community service. In death he continues in these pursuits by requesting that his body be donated to the UK College of Medicine Anatomy Department.
Tom and Ann were married on August 1, 1969, in a small, joyful ceremony in Asheville, NC. Their marriage was marked by deep mutual respect and a shared love of travel, learning, hiking, and giving back. Together they raised three daughters with gentle guidance, unwavering support, and plenty of laughter especially during the countless bedtime stories Tom delighted in creating and later retelling to his grandchildren. A man of deep faith, Tom was a longtime member of the UK Newman Center, where he served in Eucharistic ministry and found joy in leading weekly sing-alongs at a local retirement community. He pursued his love of philanthropy through Catholic ministries and gave generously of his time and spirit.
Tom was a talented dancer, a lover of wordplay, and a master of puns often to Ann's congenial dismay. He enjoyed walking in the UK Arboretum, keeping up with current events through Time magazine, and making people smile with his quick wit and warm heart.
A funeral mass and celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the UK Newman Center, 320 Rose Lane, Lexington, KY 40508. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Tom's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Garrity
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
Emery A Wilson
July 31, 2025
My sympathy to the family. Tom was a great person and faculty member and department chair. I regret that I could not attend the service.
Yang Jiang
July 17, 2025
Tom was the very first Behavioral Science colleague whom I met at Bluegrass Airport when I came for my job interview more than 20 years ago. We bonded at dinner over his favorite beer - Tsingtao from my parents´ hometown. My impression of Tom was a friendly man who was always honest when relating both good and bad news.
One of my fondest memories was Tom & Ann dancing the jitterbug at our wedding. Tom also danced with my Mom, which was memorable to her in the past two decades. Tom was a kind soul and some long-term staff called him Father Garrity. I recall going to his office asking for advice by saying "Father, I have sinned". He said "Tell me, my child". He and Ann also kindly invited a visiting scholar, who was lonely and missing her young child, to home for dinner. Tom and Ann treated David and I for dinner at a winery after my tenure as well.
It´s sad losing Tom, but I´m comforted by the thought that he used to teach Death and Dying, so compared to most of us, he had a well-developed philosophy of life and the end of life, and now he´s resting in peace.
Cheryl Keenan
July 12, 2025
Tom and Ann trained me as a hospitality minister at the Newman Center. I was shocked that there were many pages of duties and responsibilities. Both were so kind and patient. Tom saved me a few times when I had the " deer in the headlights " look. I will always think fondly of his help and eventually I was able to do it.
Rip Wilson
July 4, 2025
Ann: I feel honored to have had Tom as my best friend throughout my life. He was a role model of what it is to be a true follower of Christ for all who knew him. Like you and his girls, we are all better people for having had Tom Garrity in our lives.
Dr. Joe Dieterle
June 30, 2025
Tom was a warm hearted, spiritual leader. An excellent football player and good friend, sharp of mind and witty. He will be missed .
Tim Johnson
June 29, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He served on my dissertation committee and, in addition to being a wonderful role model, Tom was a never-ending source of good cheer, reliable support, positive encouragement, and intellectual rigor.
Tom & Jean Miller
June 29, 2025
We send our sincere condolences to Ann and the Garrity family as we learned of Tom's passing. Having known Tom through both the University of Kentucky and the Newman Center, we shared in many fond memories! Tom's presence will be missed but his colleagial and caring contributions provide lasting memories. May Tom enjoy eternal peace in Christ!!
Tom & Jean Miller
Susanne Arnold
June 28, 2025
I always loved talking with Tom at the Newman Center. And he was an important pillar at the University of Kentucky. He was quite a gem! And I am so sad that your family had to walk the path of Alzheimer´s disease. Now Tom is in heaven- fully alive, fully back to his old self and basking in the light of God. I am praying for your whole family.
Susanne
Susan Abbott-Jamieson
June 26, 2025
Thomas Garrity was a wonderful colleague and person. I value his memory. My condolences to you, Ann, and all your family. I'm having a tree planted in his honor.
Gary Atkinson
June 25, 2025
Ann, I remember that I was staying in your apartment September 22nd 1969 in Durham the the night before my daughter was born in Hattiesburg MS and I defended my dissertation at Duke. I thought then that Tom was a lucky man to have found such a special person for his wife, and I have not forgotten your gracious and comforting hospitality during that time. Although I was not in contact with Tom since then, he has remained a not insignificant person in my life owing to our college experience and the 18 months we were roommates at the the Men's Graduate Center at Duke and the house that had been a home for mill workers on 1829 Bynum Street. Louis Gasper, Bill Swantner, and I have frequently shared our memories of Tom. My prayers are for you and his family and the repose of his soul in heaven where I hope to share in the infinity of his joy.
May God grant you his deepest blessings, Ann.
Gary Atkinson
Louis C Gasper
June 25, 2025
Tom and I, and Gary Atkinson, were roommates at Duke University. Tom kept the Faith, whole and entire. God grant him eternal light, in which I hope to see him when my time comes.
Barbara T Coleman
June 24, 2025
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry about the loss of Tom. Of course, I remember you both from the University of KY and how nice both of you were to me. Such dear friends you are.
Liz Otto
June 23, 2025
Dear Ann I am so sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. I remember Tom being such a good friend to Sr Iris Ledden All the times he picked her up when she was staying with me on visits from Baltimore to go to mass at the Newman Center and take her communion while she was in the hospital. My deepest condolences to you and your daughters. He was a dear devoted friend of hers. Blessings Liz and Scrappy
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