May 13, 1960 ~ December, 2024

Dear father of Marielle Friedman and proud veteran of the United
States Army.
The son of the late John E. and Joan V. Garvey, John grew up and was a long-time
resident of Wantagh, NY. A graduate of New York Institute of Technology, he later
served nine years in the United States Army and Army Reserves earning the rank of
Sargeant. As a Special Educator in Long Island City High School, John worked with
adolescents teaching life skills and making a mark in countless lives. He was an
Assistant Chapter Leader for LICHS’s chapter of the United Federation of Teachers
(UFT), founder of the UFT Veterans’ Caucus, and long-time Chair of the UFT
Veterans’ Committee. Recognition of veterans’ service was extremely important to
John, whether for fellow educators or participating in the Veterans Day Parade in
Manhattan. John also served as a delegate for the NYS United Teachers and the
American Federation of Teachers.
Active in the Wantagh community, John was a respected member of the Wantagh
Lions Club, and the Wantagh American Legion Post 1273, where he set up local food
drives and organized Veteran Poppy Sales, respectively. He was a lifetime member
of Boy Scout Troop 656, earned Eagle Scout rank and later served on the Troop
Committee and as a merit badge counselor.
John relished living in the neighborhood in which he grew up and thoroughly
enjoyed the annual Block Party, often providing ice cream treats and fresh popcorn
to the neighborhood children. His devoted dog, Forrest, often accompanied him to
visits to the bank, family events, and walks along the Jones Beach boardwalk.
John is survived by his beloved daughter, Marielle; sister Joanne (Richard) Derr,
brother J. Scott (Lisa) Garvey; uncle and aunts Doris Owen, Donald (Jeanne) Farmer;
first cousins Daniel, Carol, Mary, Joseph (Sarah), Jessica, Sarah, Jillian (Thomas) and
Brian; nieces and nephews Jeffrey (Alden), Meredith (JJ), Benjamin and Beau; great-
nephews Theodore and Noah. John cherished his family and countless, dedicated
friends.