Michael Alan McGarry

Michael Alan McGarry, 80, retired Battalion Chief of the Warwick Fire Department, of Coventry, RI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Maureen E. Young-McGarry.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Thomas and Eleanor (Conlon) McGarry. From a young age, Michael was the life of the party, always taking every opportunity to put a smile on someone's face.

He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1963 to 1967. After returning home, he worked for Carbone Floral before joining the Warwick Fire Department. Michael was destined to join the fire service like his father. There were many uncles and cousins in the fire service. He even accidentally set the family garage on fire when he was young! He loved being a firefighter, as helping people was always his priority. He proudly delivered several babies!

He met the love of his life, Maureen, on a blind date set up by his Aunt Honey McGarry and Maureen's cousin Bev Gallagher. They truly exemplified how opposites attract! Maureen enjoyed her solitude, while Michael thrived in social environments. Their love for each other outweighed their differences, however, as they celebrated 48 years of marriage before Maureen's death in 2014.

Michael was a very hands-on dad! He took Dawn everywhere: Warwick fire alarm building to hang out with his friends on his days off, visits to his Aunt Honey, and spending their summers in the pool were some of his favorite pastimes. Once Dawn started nursery school, he volunteered at Ladd & Lassie just to spend more time with her. He dressed up as Santa and Smokey the Bear. The family took many summer vacations with their best friends Rita and Leo Maynard; so many great memories were made! After retiring from the Warwick Fire Department with over 30 years of service, he always kept in contact with fellow firefighter George Gardner, among many others.

Mike, ever a creature of habit, loved seeing his friends at Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds every morning. His favorite part of his routine was checking in on everyone at the Stop & Shop in Coventry. He took pride in helping his family, always asking them if they needed anything while he was out and about.

Once Anya was born, he was completely enamored with his new role as a grandfather. He proudly wore custom t-shirts with her picture on them. Despite being from vastly different generations, they bonded over their shared love of music. Each night, they would watch videos of their favorite artists, ranging from Johnny Cash to Lady Gaga! He enjoyed listening to stories about Dawn and Anya's trips to NYC and their mutual love of musicals. You could sometimes hear him singing songs from Mamma Mia (Maureen's favorite)! Michael was always interested in learning about Anya's friends and listening to stories about her day.

Michael truly left his mark in this world! He always showed kindness and empathy for others and especially loved animals. It was rare for there not to be a dog in his household. Luther and Maggie already miss their "Treat-Man". He also loved bringing Allie's Donuts to Dawn and her coworkers at Tiogue Elementary, and later the school administration office, a gesture that always brightened everyone's day. Michael's genuine and kind nature will be remembered by all that were lucky enough to know him.

He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Patricia McGarry-Lima and his granddaughter Anya Grace Lima, all of Coventry; two sisters, Marylou Holland of Providence and Sheila McGarry of Texas whom he loved dearly and his nieces and nephews, Jami Volpe-Coletta, Jonathan and Jason Rodriguez, Caty and Brandon Colon and Robert Holland, Jr. He was the brother of the late Brian McGarry, Kim McGarry-Volpe, Eleanor McGarry, and Maragret Wennberg.

His Funeral will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 9:45 a.m. from the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Saints John and Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's name to the RISPCA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI, 02886 (rispca.org), would be appreciated.