John P. “Jack” McGarvey, a lifelong Stoughton resident, passed away after a long illness, at home, in the room where he was born and under the care of Old Colony Hospice. He was 76 years old. He was the beloved husband of Gyneth (MacLeod) McGarvey. They were married for forty-nine years.
Born August 11, 1930, he was the only child of the late Stoughton Police Chief Peter J. McGarvey and Mary Ann (Sims) McGarvey. Before he could read words Mr. McGarvey was able to read notes and play the piano. He attended Stoughton Public Schools and was a graduate of Stoughton High School. He later attended Northeastern University in Boston and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Mr. McGarvey served proudly for thirteen years with the United States Naval Reserve.He was employed as an Electrical Engineer by the Raytheon Corporation for thirty-five years. His work included Satellite Communications and various classified projects including the Hawk Missile.
Mr. McGarvey was an amateur Archaeologist and a member of the Massachusetts Archaeology Society. He supported a variety of ecological organizations including the Massachusetts Audobon Society and the Nature Conservancy. He was also a strong supporter of the National Rifle Association and the Tiger Haven Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary in Kingston, Tennessee. He was a former officer of the Stoughton Co-Operative Bank and had served on the Board Of Directors and Security Committee.
Jack was adept at household projects and was able to repair and maintain two homes including a summer residence in Pocasset, MA that he built with his late father. He also enjoyed gardening and Volkswagen vehicles of all types.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his four daughters, Lorri A. McGarvey of Easton, Lesa McGarvey- Campanello and her husband Joe of Stoughton, Paula J. McGarvey of Butte, Montana, Mary A. McGarvey- Smith and her husband Arthur of Knoxville, Tennessee, and his honorary son Leif Martinsson of Sweden. He is also survived by his four cherished grandchildren Evan Dardano and Jared Dardano, both of Stoughton, and Jessica Peters and Daniel Peters, both of Butte, Montana. Other survivors include his two cousins Isabel Cunningham of Bourne and Joanne Kelleher of Canton.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Thursday February 22, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. in the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. The Pastor Reverend Deborah LaBonte officiating. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Lung Association of Massachusetts, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451, or to the charity of one’s choice in Jack’s memory, would be appreciated.