Robert Garvin Sr.

Robert Arthur Garvin, Sr. age 85 of Philadelphia, PA, and formerly of North Wildwood, NJ, and West Palm Beach, FL passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family.
Bob was born in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, PA on December 30, 1937, to Thomas and Marie (nee Brown) Garvin. He was pre-deceased by his sisters, Dolores Trinity (John) and Marie Forziati (James), and his beloved brothers, Thomas (Marge) and Daniel Garvin. Bob's playground was the Art Museum fountains, Fairmount Park, and Boat House Row. He was recruited to play basketball at South Catholic and later attended both Saint Joseph's University and Temple University to study computer programming. He worked for City Stores / Lit Brothers as head of IT. He continued to work in the technology field for General Electric and Computer Campus among others. Bob's entrepreneurial drive founded Man in Motion, a precursor to FedEx. In his later years, Bob would become Chairman of the Fairmount-Brewerytown Sports Old Timers, leading efforts to recognize key members of the community. Bob is a veteran having served in the Air Force Reserves.
Bob married his true love Carolyn Garvin (Porretta) on October 10, 1959, enjoying 63 years of marriage. Together, they raised four beautiful children, Dr. Lynn Dever (James), Lisa Marie Garvin, Dr. Robert Garvin Jr. (Dr. Beth Been), and Lori Riordan (Timothy) and is the loving grandfather to Morgan Morris (Nick), Pierce Dever (Dr. Rachel Dever), Carly Garvin, Grant Garvin, Emily Garvin, Timothy Riordan, Matelyn Riordan, and Robert Riordan and great-grandfather to Brooks Dever, Hudson Morris, Tripp Dever, and Poppy Rose Morris.
A perfect blend of good looks, wit, and smarts, Bob was loved by all. Family meant everything to him; a value he has instilled in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To say that he was an active participant in the lives of his family is an understatement. Known as Pop or Poppy, he and Grammy hosted weekly sleepovers so his grandchildren could sleep in the "middle", chauffeured them to their endless sporting events, serving as their biggest cheerleader, and enjoyed time on the beach with them at the Jersey shore and Florida beaches. Known for his playful spirit, he went on endless rides on the boardwalk, attended school events, and trick-or-treated with all of his grandchildren. He loved all things Philly, including the Phillies and Eagles, dancing the Mummer's strut, Philly pretzels, and Tastykakes. Only Bob could make you smile, bring laughter into another's world and elicit infectious giggles from children. To know Bob was to know he was an inspiration to many and his legacy is the love of his family and his enduring faith.
Family and friends are invited to Robert's Life Celebration on March 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the John F. Givnish Life Celebration Home, 10975 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19154. Then on March 14, 2023, a funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Good Council Church, 611 Knowles Ave, Southampton, PA, 18966.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Fairmount Park Conservancy in Bob Garvin's name. https://myphillypark.org/support/donate/