Willaim A. Garvey

William A. Garvey, 82 of Bluffton passed away at 5:35 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Meadowvale Health & Rehab. Center in Bluffton. Mr. Garvey was born on June 9, 1926 in Johnston, Rhode Island to Edward George & Valeda Marie (Bernard) Garvey. On October 25, 1952 in South Bend, Indiana he married Eileen Mary ( Boeree) Garvey. She preceded him in death on November 3, 2005. William graduated in 1944 from the LaSalle Academy in Rhode Island. He serviced his country from 1944 to 1947 as a Sgt. in the Army during World War II. He attended the MIT School for 2 years and went on to graduate from the University of Rhode Island in 1952 Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He retired from Franklin Electric in 1988 as Vice President of International Operations, after a 30 year career. He had also worked as Manager of motor design at General Electric in Fort Wayne from 1952 to 1958. Mr. Garvey was a member of A.I.E.E. (American Institute of Electrical Engineers). He was involved with many philanthropic organizations which included Habitat for Humanity, Horizons, Bluffton Revitalization and the Wells County Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of Public Television (Channel 39) and radio WBNI (89.1 F.M.) in Fort Wayne. He was very active in starting the Wells on Wheels program and raising money for the Kehoe Park in Bluffton, along with being a member of the Parlor City Country Club. Other survivors include a son, Michael John Garvey of Carmel, Indiana along with three grandsons; Christopher William Garvey, Zachary Michael Garvey and Andrew Robert Garvey. A brother John R. Garvey of Reseda, CA, and a sister Agnes McCormick of Ormond, FL. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Eileen, a son Joseph William Garvey, and brothers & sisters; Madeline Garvey, Bernard Garvey, George Garvey, Robert L. Garvey, Esther Clairville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bluffton, 1300 North Main Street Bluffton, Indiana. Rev. James J. Wynne, OMI will officiate. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Military Honors will be preformed by the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton and United States Army Honor Guard. Friends are encouraged to visit with the Garvey family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at the Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home located at 308 West Washington Street Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824 - 3850. A rosary service will be recited at 3:30 prior to calling hours. Memorials may be made to Panos Free Clinic or to Wells County Creative Arts Council. Friends may send online condolences to www.thomarich.com

Willaim A. Garvey

June 9, 1926 - March 8, 2009