Gregory C. Garnes

1949 - 2026

Gregory C Garnes
1949 - 2026
East Longmeadow
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a very kind, endearing man. Gregory C. Garnes passed into eternal life at Baystate Medical Center on Sunday, January 18th at 5:00 p.m. with his wife and family by his side. He was the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and friend.
He was born in Westfield on March 30, 1949, to the late Ruth and James Garnes. He grew up in Springfield and attended Classical High School, where he graduated from in 1967. At Classical he was a member of the baseball and football teams. He attended Salem State University, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He always knew he wanted to be a teacher and for all of the students he taught over the years, it was the greatest possible choice. They benefited from his knowledge, his patience, his sense of humor, and mostly from the respect he gave them, which was returned to him continuously. He was everyone's favorite teacher and after he retired, everyone's favorite substitute. He began his teaching career at Commerce High School but spent most of his years teaching Social Studies at Central High School. After retirement, he became a highly valued substitute teacher at East Longmeadow High School until he retired from there in 2025. His favorite pastime through the years was either playing a sport, attending a sport game, or watching one on TV. He loved all the Boston teams but was highly passionate about the Boston Red Sox. He loved his family beyond words, spending as much quality time that he could, being together with them, enjoying the love, fun, and laughter they all shared. He attended St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow. He will be tremendously missed by all who knew him. He leaves his wife, Carla (Catter) Garnes, his son, James Garnes (Samantha), his step-son, Michael McKenna (April), his stepdaughter, Christine (McKenna) Bell (Eric), his three adoring grandchildren, Emma McKenna, Luke and Ben Bell, his brother, David Garnes, and his sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Peter Buscema. He also leaves other family members, close friends, and his precious dog, Gigi. Family and friends are invited to gather for visiting hours at Forestiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4pm-6-30pm, followed by a funeral home memorial service at 6:30pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens's Research Hospital. For more details and to share condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.