Thomas Joseph Garner

Thomas Joseph Garner, 54, of Cascade, MD, passed away, Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Meritus Medical Center.
Born Sunday, July 11, 1971, in Strafford, NJ, he was the son of Richard Samuel Garner and Sadie Marie (Fackelman) Garner.
A 1990 graduate of Smithsburg High School, he went on to earn a bachelor's degree in History from Towson University and a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Frostburg State University. He served as the principal of Salem Avenue Elementary School for 22 years. The "1323" was his place to be, where he saw potential in everyone and believed in his students, staff and community.
A passionate supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he served for many years as a leader with Troop 18 and was instrumental in founding Venturing Crew 48 in Smithsburg. One of his proudest accomplishments was a recent trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, a testament to his deep love of scouting and the outdoors.
Growing up as an "Army Brat," he cherished the unique experiences of living abroad and embraced a lifelong sense of adventure. He loved exploring the Hawaiian Islands and the annual family trips to the Outer Banks where he always woke up early to set up the beach chairs for everyone. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fly fishing, hiking, camping, shooting, and was a proud member of the Waynesboro Fish and Game Club.
Those who knew him will remember his silliness and the joy he brought through his spontaneous whistling, beat boxing, and dancing and his famously slow rendition of "Happy Birthday." He also found enjoyment in playing Clash of Clans and never missed an opportunity to make someone laugh, sometimes unintentionally.
In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his wife of 27 years, Amy Marie Garner; son, Gavin Joseph Garner, daughter, Ava Marie Garner; brother, John Garner and wife Amy; sister, Daniell Kennedy and husband Johnny; father and mother in law, Ronald and Charlene Law; sister in law, Allyson Mastronardi and husband Jamie; and nieces and nephews, Garett, Skyla, Tyler, Jazmine, Jonah, Charlie, and Elam, and was very proud of all of them. He also leaves behind his puppy chows, Tucker and Lucy and grand dogs, Charley and Koa.
Family will receive friends at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, MD, Friday, October 17, 2025, from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Thomas J Garner High Adventure Scholarship Fund c/o Crew 48, St Paul's, 51 S Main St Smithsburg, MD 21783
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com