Thomas Joseph McGarrity

Thomas Joseph McGarrity, 68, of West Hartford, partner of Paul V. Snipes, died peacefully at St. Francis Hospital, April 13, 2009. Born in Torrington, CT February 4, 1941, he was the son of the late William and Dorothy Bader McGarrity. Tom s began his professional career at the age of 16 at the Warner Theater in Torrington. He rose through the ranks of the Torin Corporation becoming an executive in human resources. He built on this experience as a specialist in the placement of human resources professionals, as a partner in Flynn Associates and The Rivers Group. Tom may be best known for his work as manager of Japanalia Eiko since 1986. He was a key member of the Japanalia team, working with designers Eiko and Dan Blow. Drawing from his extensive art background, he used his talent to style Japanalia clients to enhance each personality. Of his many activities, Tom was particularly proud of his work with one of the first residences for people with HIV. He used his business and art backgrounds for Tabor House to make charitable fundraising a fine dining and creative experience. Tom was also head of the West Hartford Merchants Association. Tom was known for his elegant and sophisticated sense of style and his lifelong interest in the arts. Tom and Paul traveled extensively to London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Paris, Istanbul as well as Arizona and Southern California. Tom loved to entertain. He and Paul had small formal dinner parties and cherished their Sunday nights with Mary Flynn. He also loved his sharpei dogs, Boscoe and Miss Helen. Tom was a thoughtful, generous and loyal friend; his kindness was complemented by a puckish sense of humor. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, April 18th at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Calling hours will precede the service beginning at 10. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Hospital Cancer Center, c/o St. Francis Foundation, 95 Woodland Street Hartford, Connecticut 06105-1299. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Francis Hospital and the doctors and nurses who provided Tom with excellent and compassionate care.

Thomas Joseph McGarrity

February 4, 1941 - April 13, 2009