Michael Peter Garzone

Michael Peter Thomas Garzone, 77, of Travelers Rest, SC, died in his home on Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025.

Michael, a lifelong Catholic, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on December 28, 1947, during a blizzard, to late Raymond and Phyllis Gerhardt Garzone, Sr. His family moved to Teaneck, NJ when he was three, and their ever-growing family lived there on Stelton Street for many years. Michael attended St. Anastasia Catholic Grammar School in Teaneck, NJ and then Bergen Tech High School in Hackensack, NJ where his focus was auto mechanics.

He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1966 and served as a missile mechanic in Okinawa, Japan. He married Vivian Bachner, also from Teaneck, on May 23, 1971, and they were married 26 years. They had a house built on a lake in Sunrise, Florida in 1976. Michael worked as an auto mechanic while in Florida. Their daughter Michelle was born in Florida in November 1978. They relocated to New Milford, New Jersey in 1979, so Michael could work as an embroidery designer with his family. He eventually branched out on his own and had a thriving business.

Michael and Vivian's son Daniel arrived in May 1983, on Mother's Day. Michael was an Associate Professor of embroidery design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NYC for almost 20 years. In 2003, Michael retired and moved to Travelers Rest, SC to be near his siblings. He remained in the SC home he deeply enjoyed for the rest of his life.

Over his lifetime, Michael created a wide variety of unique artwork, including a raised star field version of the American Flag, a lace Rosary, oil paintings, metal work, and handmade playing cards based on the 10 Commandments. He holds several patents. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason of Euclid Lodge #136 in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. He was also a Shriner in SC.

Michael will be dearly missed by many, and was known for his kind and generous nature, his amazing storytelling, and his devotion to his Faith. He and Vivian became close again during their son's illness and remained close friends until Michael's death.

Michael is survived by his beloved daughter, Michelle Garzone; grandson, Ethan Garzone; and daughter-in-law, Michele Lesser.

Michael had a large family and extended family and will be missed by his brothers, Gary Garzone, Peter Garzone (Annette), Robert Garzone (Dena), and Eddie Garzone; as well as his dear sisters, Linda Connor; Karen Leyendecker (John), and Janet Garzone; and sister-in-law, Cecilia Garzone.

He also leaves behind nieces and nephews, including Christina, Kim, James, Michelle, Tammy, Dawn, Tara, Jennifer, Jaimie, Vincent, Dawn, Emily, Nicolas, Josh, and Anthony; and great nieces and nephews, Andrew, Brian, Becky, Christian, Kyle, Ryan, Christian, Ella, Althea, Evan, Silas, Xena, Patrick, Philip, Jasiah, and Amelia.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Daniel Garzone (2021); brother, Raymond Garzone, Jr. (2023); niece, Nikki Garzone; sister-in-law, Carol Garzone; and brother-in-law, Richard Connor.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest, in Greenville, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Euclid Masonic Lodge #136, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, 201-288-2060, Euclid136@hotmail.com.

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