William J. McGarrity

William J. McGarrity, 84, of Latrobe, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital surrounded by his family. Born Sept. 6, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Bill was the son of the late William F. McGarrity and Jeannette Findlan McGarrity. Bill was a 1958 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Dearborn, MI, and a 1962 graduate of Lehigh University, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. Bill was employed at Ford Motor Company, Gibson Electric Company and Toyad Corporation. He was part owner of Pacemaker Plastics in Newcomerstown, OH, and while working there, Bill, his wife, Rosemarie, and his family lived in Canton, OH, returning to Latrobe when he retired in 2003. They have also spent the last 20 years as 'snowbirds' in Venice, FL. Upon retiring, Bill volunteered at SCORE Westmoreland, helping small-business owners learn from his experience. He was a member of the Latrobe Elks and a longtime parishioner at St. Vincent Basilica parish, where he volunteered counting the church collections, serving as a docent in the Basilica and helping at parish events. Bill enjoyed traveling with Rosemarie, especially visiting family to welcome grandchildren and attend their birthdays, graduations, theater performances, dance recitals or sporting events. He enjoyed golfing, especially the 'Can-Am' tournament, and he even got a hole-in-one once! For more than 40 years, Bill cheered on the Steelers at their games and hosted Steeler watch parties, but, ironically, the two Super Bowls he attended were Steeler losses. Bill loved playing cards, where he'd be known to say, 'Let's deal 'em up' and frequently enjoyed a glass of 'good' red wine and a good steak. Most of his jokes got a laugh, but when they did not, his infectious laugh (at his own joke) became the highlight! He'd attempt to 'fix' things around the house (and then called the repairman!). He never missed an opportunity to rest his eyes (aka take a nap). Instead of collecting stuff, he collected words, homophones, jokes, stories and phrases we now call 'Grampy-isms.' Above all, he cherished times spent with family, especially his grandchildren, and friends. Bill's gregarious personality was contagious: No one he met was a stranger for long. His outlook on life was embodied in one 'Grampy-ism': 'Things have a way of working out.' Rest in peace, Bill/Dad/Grampy. We will miss your humor and spirit. Thank you for everything you have given us. We'll keep your wit, wisdom and laughter continuing! Bill is survived by his wife, Rosemarie (Palko), of 55 years; his children Jeffrey (Sonia) McGarrity, Patrick (Camille) McGarrity and Logan McGarrity; his grandchildren Emma, Ethan, Thomas, Sean, Jeffrey, Brendan, Delaney, Cecilia, Augustine, Norah, Rose Marie, Leah, Charlotte, Kennah and Elle; his sisters, Jean Makela and Roberta (Bruce) Miller; his brothers-in-law Bill (Joan) Palko and Robert (Nancy) Palko, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends; and his walking companion, Annie (the family schnauzer.) Relatives and friends of Bill will be received on Friday, January 24, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Hartman-Graziano Funeral Home, 1500 Ligonier Street, Latrobe. All are welcome to the funeral Mass celebrated on Saturday, January 25, at 10 am at St. Vincent Basilica, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650 with the Rev. Paul Taylor as celebrant. Everyone please go directly to the Basilica. The interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery. Should you wish, donations to the St. Vincent Seminary would make Bill smile. To post an online condolence, please visit hartman grazianofuneralhome.com.