Dr. Joseph P. McGarry

Dr. Joseph Paul McGarry of Martinsville, New Jersey, formerly of Barnegat Light, New Jersey, and Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the age of 88, after a long illness.
Joe was a man of optimism and peace, tireless champion of education, inspiration for achievement, rock-solid family man, and the best Gramps, ever. He was a profoundly kind man and friends and family often requested his sage advice. Joe was known for his clear thinking, patience, and generosity. His positive outlook on life was undiminished by the health challenges of his final years – testimony to the power of his faith, love for his family, and his unwavering support for Notre Dame and Rutgers athletics.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara (Emmel) McGarry, four daughters, Barbara Jo McGarry (Hugh Williams), Erin McGarry (Brendan Intindola), Laureen Westover (Carl), and Heather McGarry (Justine Christakos).
Joe's memory will also be cherished by grandchildren Alexandra and Jordan McGarry Williams, Declan Joseph and Anna-Charlotte Intindola; his sister, Marianne Roche (Frank), brother-in-law, Richard Emmel (Lois); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary McGarry; his sister, Jean Conlon, and his brother, Leo McGarry.
Joe was born on March 26, 1936 in Inkerman, Pennsylvania, a small town in the Northeastern corner of the state, where coal was king. At a young age he developed a curiosity about science and space discovery. This inquisitiveness, along with a keen intellect, shaped his academic and professional pursuits throughout his life. After graduating from Jenkins Township High School in 1954, he worked on the Lehigh Valley Railroad to help fund his education. In 1959, he graduated from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. Joe continued his studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Microbiology in 1961. A lifelong learner dedicated to teaching, he obtained his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1988 while working full time.
As a young college student, Joe met the love of his life, Barbara, at a college dance. Their shared passion to explore the world would become a cornerstone of their lives together. An aspiring artist from Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, Barbara encouraged Joe to discover new places and embrace new cultures. He was smitten by her beauty, creativity, and sense of adventure, and they were wed in January of 1961. They moved to Bridgewater, New Jersey, shortly after the birth of their first daughter in 1962 and became lifelong residents. To support his growing family Joe established a painting business with several friends that lasted over a decade.
An eternal optimist, Joe's love and admiration for his wife and daughters were boundless. He was proud of their personal triumphs and academic and professional achievements. Joe always considered himself incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by the joy and laughter of his wife and four daughters.
After earning his master's degree, Joe embarked on a 38-year career at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, starting out as a high school biology teacher. His ability to engage with students and inspire them to excel in science earned him positions of increasing responsibility – including high school science supervisor, district supervisor of science, assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, culminating with the capstone of his career as district superintendent.
As superintendent, Joe innately understood the importance of putting students front and center, with their academic growth paramount. He enjoyed the steady support of students, parents, and district employees alike during a time when superintendents and boards of education seldom agreed on programs and policy.
During his administration he presided over numerous complex issues and challenging times, including a major construction project to consolidate two regional high schools – all amid waves of growth and demographic upheaval. The school district benefited from his evenhanded, fair management style, informed by what was best for the long-term educational needs of the students and the community.
Joe held leadership roles in many professional academic organizations including the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa – Rutgers University, New Jersey Science Teachers Association, New Jersey Science Supervisors Association, and the National Science Teaching Association.
He often spoke fondly of his early days as a young commissioner volunteering for the Bridgewater Township Environmental Commission. An early advocate for environmental science education, Joe understood its value in promoting public health and fostering a sound climate. He organized efforts to fund and develop the township's first natural resource inventory program. His passion for science education led him to author environmental science curricula for elementary grades for the textbook publishing company Silver-Burdett & Ginn.
Toward the end of his career Joe joined the Jointure Child Enrichment & Adult Education organization in Somerset County, New Jersey, as a trustee. His significant teaching experience taught him that education was the basis of progress and personal growth for every individual, young or old. In retirement, he served on the Jointure's advisory board in positions of leadership for more than 25 years.
Travel was a way of life for Barbara and Joe – they shared a deep wanderlust to explore new countries, visit historic sites and embrace new cultures. Barbara was a travel agent and together they visited all seven continents, including 115 countries and all 50 states in the U.S. Possessing a great love for nature and the outdoors, the family spent many summer vacations on cross-country camping trips exploring the wonders of our National Park System.
In 1977, the family set off to explore Great Britain and Europe, visiting 16 countries in a little more than two months - all without GPS! Joe and Barbara generously shared their trips with their children and families; they took their entire family on a cruise to Bermuda to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. In their later years, he and Barbara escaped the cold New Jersey winters to Vero Beach where Joe enjoyed visits from family, golfing with his friends, riding his bike, and attending theater shows with Barbara.
In the late 1980s, Joe and Barbara bought a fixer-upper beach house in Barnegat Light which created a central location for the family to bond and share fun times for almost 30 years. Joe's adoration of his grandchildren shined at the Shore house, and he was a key player in their games and pranks, with legendary water fights and long days at the beach. He delighted in spinning outlandish, sometimes terrifying tales of the New Jersey Devil and the "mechanical jaws". His storytelling never failed to surprise the grandkids eliciting shrieks and laughter at his impersonations. He was deeply loved by his grandchildren and always knew how to make each one feel important. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Jointure Child Enrichment & Adult Education organization. Donate Online.
Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at St. Joseph R. C. Church, 111 East High Street, Bound Brook, NJ.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM following the visitation.
Interment will follow at Bound Brook Cemetery, Bound Brook.