Rev. Joseph P. McGarry

Reverend Joseph P. McGarry, 75, the newly retired pastor at St. Peter Claver Church, West Hartford, died Thursday, July 1, 2004, at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of the late John T. and Isabel Price McGarry, he was a graduate of St. Ignatius High 47 in Cleveland. His family moved to Connecticut that year. He attended St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield and St. Bernard?s Seminary in Rochester, NY. Fr. McGarry was ordained at St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford on May 19, 1955, and received a Master's Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Iona College in NY. Father was active in both community and church organizations in the parishes he served. He was a corporator of St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. When not ministering to his parishioners, he enjoyed his garden and traveling. He owned a home in Charlestown RI for over 30 years. He was a retired Lt. Colonel with the CT Air National Guard AFRes, 103d Combat Support Squadron TAC. Fr. McGarry was stationed at several parishes throughout Connecticut including St. Justin in Hartford, St. Patrick in Waterbury, St. Francis in New Haven, St. Gabriel in Windsor and beginning in 1988 as pastor of St. Peter Claver in West Hartford until his retirement on June 30, 2004. He also served a three year term beginning in 1991 on the Presbyteral Council. He is survived by his sisters; Isabel T. McGarry of Charlestown, RI, Leila Smolenski of New London, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his sister Clare M. Skelley. Funeral services will begin Tuesday July 6th with the reception of his body at 2:00 p.m. to the Parish Center of St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford. Calling hours will be from 2-5 p.m. Fr. McGarry will then be transferred to the church for the Parish Mass beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private in New London, CT. The Molloy Funeral Home, West Hartford is assisting with arrangements. Fr. McGarry?s family request memorial donations be made to St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford, CT 06107, St. Francis Church, 397 Ferry St. New Haven, CT 06513, or a charity of the donor?s choice.