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Boston College

Connor Garstka Obituary

GARSTKA, Connor, Our beloved Connor Garstka, Esq., 34, of Richmond, Va., passed away suddenly on February 13, 2022 after a long illness. He leaves behind his parents, Ellen and Alan; his brother, Colin FX; sister-in-law, Elizabeth; friends, coworkers and his extended family. The brevity of his life belies the complexity of his life experiences. His boundless curiosity drove him to excellence in anything he pursued. He was a true Renaissance man. From a young age, music was a major part of his life. He mastered the tenor saxophone, piano and eventually settled on the guitar as his favorite instrument. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed writing music. He was currently performing regularly with his friend, an oboist. He also played with the band, "Carmen Ann and the Low Down Gamblers" in Richmond, Va. He read vociferously but never frivolously. Only the best minds occupied the shelves of his bookcases. He especially loved to read and write poetry. We called him "Word Slayer." He graduated magna cum laude from Boston College in 2011 and from William and Mary Law School in 2016. He was a senior attorney in the Legislative Services Department of the Commonwealth of Virginia. His words and his legacy are forever stamped in the pages of Virginia law and in history. He enjoyed cooking, yoga, hiking, bike rides with friends and walking with Buddy the love dog. He was lucky in life to have had a cadre of friends who were both empathic and fun-loving. His coworkers remember him as a brilliant attorney, model mentor and an even better person and friend. In Connor's short life, he carried himself with dignity, intelligence and kindness. Despite chronic medical issues, he had an inner warmth, abounding wit and an engaging smile for everyone. Connor will be remembered at a private funeral service and buried in Calvary Cemetery in Chicopee, Mass. A celebration of life service will be planned at a future date. Donations in Connor's name can be made to Boulevard United Methodist Church, c/o Pastor Drew Willson, 910 South Harrison St., Richmond, Va. 23220 or Shalom Farms 1010 West Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23227. You may use Free Funder for your donation (www.freefunder.com/campaign/connor-garstka). Alternatively, the family asks that you look around you to find someone in need and help him or her in loving memory. Let perpetual light shine.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Feb. 27, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Connor Garstka

19 Entries

Katie Boyle

March 11, 2022

My sincerest condolences on your loss. Connor was a wonderful public servant and made a huge contribution to the state of Virginia through his work at Legislative Services. No matter how busy he was - and the Virginia General Assembly session is always a crush of activity - he always had time to answer a question or say hello. He helped us tremendously with drafting and amendments. He is greatly missed already. Wishing you comfort and strength.

Paul Doane

March 6, 2022

Sincerest condolences to the Garstka family for this incalculable loss.

Phyllis Errico

March 3, 2022

Connor made this world a better place for everyone he touched in every way. He will be missed by so many.
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends and my great thanks for having known him.

Ned and Anne Dalton

March 3, 2022

Our condolences for your loss! Special child!

David & Merle Friedenberg

Planted Trees

Cathy Houle

March 2, 2022

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your son Dr. Garstka. May his memory stay alive and with you forever.
Cathy and the staff of the Elliot Hospital Mail Center.

Gail Schwab

March 1, 2022

I am deeply saddened to hear about Connor but I was smiling to read about all he accomplished during his much too short life. There are no words but do know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ellen, please reach out to me at anytime. Dr. Langlois shared the news with me. The office can give you my number. Hugs to you my friend
Love, Gail

Claudia Grilli

March 1, 2022

To Dr. Garstka, Mrs. Gartska and family. Words are inadequate at times like this. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Deep peace to all of you as you move through this sad time.

Kirsten Laaspere

February 28, 2022

Dr. & Mrs. Garstka, I´d first like to share how I remember you: as thoughtful, present, and generous parents who always knew specific details about Connor´s friends that made us feel respected and welcome in your home and in your son´s life. Connor was in my brother Glenn´s class at Derryfield and through their friendship, I came to see Connor as a brother-figure as well. I was able to visit Connor at law school when I lived in North Carolina and I remember that he felt like home. He made me watermelon soup, we played with the dog by a lake, and we had a delicious meal in the city. It will be a memory I hold on to dearly in these difficult days. I am so grateful for the time I had with Connor, and will be forever bettered from the role he played in my life. Thank you for sharing him with us. I wish you peace.

Christina Nyquist, DS `05

February 28, 2022

I was a year ahead of Connor at Derryfield, and while I did not know him very well, all these years later I remember his friendliness and positive energy. I am saddened to hear this news but I very much enjoyed reading about all the wonderful things he had been up to after high school and learning more about him as a person. Truly exceptional, so talented, and what a beautiful tribute to his well-lived life.

Mary Marciniak DS Class `06

February 28, 2022

I send my deepest condolences for your loss. I remember Connor as a brilliantly fun, joyful, smart, and kind classmate. He could do it all, and I remember our mutual love for the band Weezer and his own incredible talent for music. I always felt he would go far and leave his mark on the world for the better. My wish for his family at this time is comfort in knowing what a wonderful person Connor was, and what a positive influence he had on so many.

Alix Reilley

February 28, 2022

I went to high school with Connor and even though we weren't in the same social circles, he always had a friendly smile and a joke or two. I even wrote that in his yearbook our senior year. He was a delightful person who radiated warmth and positivity.

CHS Class of 1969

February 28, 2022

We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your son. We send our deepest sympathy and condolences...

Cheryl Lynch

February 27, 2022

Ellen and Alan, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family.
Best,
Cheryl Lynch

Richard Hanlon

February 27, 2022

Dear Dr. & Mrs. Garstka and Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Son, Connor. My deep sympathy and sincere condolences to you. Please try to remember the happy times that you shared; this will help to bring a smile to your face. R.I.P., Connor.
Sincere regards,
Richard Hanlon

Richard Hanlon

February 27, 2022

Dear Dr. & Mrs. Garstka and Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Son, Connor. My deep sympathy and sincere condolences to you. Please try to remember the happy times that you shared, this will help to bring a smile to your face. R.I.P., Connor.
Sincere regards,
Richard Hanlon

Laura Znoj

February 26, 2022

Alan and Ellen my thoughts and prayers are with you. I´m so sorry for your loss.

Bruce Berk

February 25, 2022

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Connor.

In my mind´s eye he will always be 14 to 18, and your reflections capture everything I remember so fondly about the boy. Wicked smart with a gentle sense of humor and always with a question.

Connor would sit in class, legs crossed, chin resting on his hand and say, "Hmmmm, Mr. Berk I have a (another) question" or "Mr. Berk, I was just wondering."

He and his intellectual musical soulmate, Glen, brightened my days. Connor defined the privilege of teaching. He always had that twinkle in his eye, and never had an unkind word towards anyone.

Once Connor went to college, I did not know his story, but am not surprised that he excelled in every area, and that he developed a close, loving peer group. Again, my sympathies for the loss of such a fine, young man. So tragic.

john e Garstka

February 25, 2022

Please accept the sympathy from us over the loss of Connor. He was an exceptional young man and looks like our children and grandchildren from the picture in the notice. Sincerely, John and Caron and the "other"
Garstkas

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