David R. Garvin

David R. Garvin, 81, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, one of nine children, he joined the Marines where he was stationed in Hawaii. He remained there after he was discharged, making a living as a folk singer in local coffee shops. In the 1970s he moved to New York to the West Village and became a playwright with Theatre Genesis. A skilled chef, he spent six months a year in Mexico at a restaurant he owned and the other six months in New York writing plays. Always a lover of words, David returned to college in his early 40s to study linguistics, receiving a Bachelor's and a Master's from Hunter College. He became an ELS teacher at Curtis High School, where he met his wife, Cadence Turner. They settled in the historic St. George neighborhood of Staten Island where they raised their two sons, Parker (22) and David (20). As a teacher, David inspired his students, conveying to them the wonder and love of language he felt. He continued writing, drawing on his own vast life experiences, and published several short stories and a book. Having a family did not keep David from traveling the world including Asia, Europe, Central America, foregoing the tourist sites for more interesting places off the beaten path. Arrangements for David are being handled by Harmon Funeral Home. Visitation is Thursday, May 5, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Friday, May 6, from 3-6 p.m. Cremation is private. The family appreciates donations to: University Hospice, 78 Meisner Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306; Checks made out to SIUH Foundation with David R. Garvin on the memo line. Harmon Funeral Home 571 Forest Ave. Staten Island, NY 10310 (718) 442-5056