Harvey McGarry's Obituary
Harvey McGarry, a man known for his big heart and helping hands, was born in the front bedroom of his family home on Oak Street in Mantua, Ohio, on Sunday, June 1, 1941. He passed peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Marymount Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. The son of Arlene Hedrick McGarry and Harvey McGarry, Harvey graduated in 1960 from Crestwood High School, where he started a lifetime of service as class president in his junior and senior years. Following graduation, his service roles continued: as a sergeant in the Ohio National Guard and Pennsylvania's Army Reserve; as the youngest member of the Mantua Council; and as a 52-year Freemason, achieving the status of a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason.
In 1962, Harvey began a 42-year career with Buckeye Pipe Line Company, following in his father's footsteps. He started as a young man walking the lines and retired as Transportation Supervisor.He met his wife, Laura, in the summer of 1965 in front of the Mantua pharmacy, and they married the following spring, sharing 59 wonderful years together. Buckeye transferred the couple to Allentown, PA in 1968, where they resided for 50 years before returning to Mentor, Ohio eight years ago, spending winters as snowbirds in North Fort Myers, FL.
Harvey found joy in using his skills to help anyone in need. He was a man of integrity, loyalty, and dependability, always ready to lend a hand. He could most often be found in a toolshed, on a ladder, or in a garden, holding a wrench, a paintbrush, or a shovel. He shared these skills widely across every community he was a part of, establishing a reputation for always being available. It was said Harv never met a stranger, and he was liked and respected by everyone who shared his path. His life was a testament to his strong work ethic and his unwavering willingness to help.
Harvey's faith journey began at Mantua Methodist Church, his parents' church. As an adult, he was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Emmaus, PA, where he served on the Council for many years, contributing as Property Committee Chair and Food Bank volunteer. Harvey joins his beloved son, Harvey, Jr. who passed in 2011. He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Dumont McGarry, of Mentor; his daughter, Tammy McGarry Nickel (Steven), of Los Gatos, CA; his cherished grandson, Alex Nickel; his sister, Anna Lee McGarry Lehman (dec., Gary), of Louisville, KY; sister-in-law, Ann Dumont (dec., Ralph), of Eastlake, OH; and many adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will also be missed by his beloved dog, Rooney.
Family will receive friends Friday, September 27th, from 1-2pm at Green Funeral Care, 4668 Pioneer Trail, Mantua, Ohio, immediately followed by a funeral service at 2pm. We will then proceed to Hillside Cemetery for a burial service, where Harvey will be laid to rest with full military honors, beside his parents, his son, and other beloved family members. Harvey's life of service can be honored through a donation to your local food bank.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.greenfuneralcare.com
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