Michael Joseph Garrihy

Michael “Joe” Garrihy left us on 7/31/2020. He was a wonderful man larger than life in every way. A very special husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and a dear friend to so many people that he loved. He was a fascinating man and a true pioneer in the field of aviation.

He was born in Ennistymon County Clare Ireland the first child of Danny Garrihy and Bridget McCarthy on September 16th 1937. He attended the Christen Brothers School in Ennistymon and graduated from University College Cork in Cork Ireland. He went on to be the Principal of a school for troubled boys in the bush in Nigeria Africa in the 1960’s. He was forced to flee in the middle of the night during the revolution in 1967 and ended up visiting one of his teachers in Cleveland Ohio where he decided to stay and put down roots. It was in Cleveland that he took his first flying lessons at the Willoughby flying club. He married in Cleveland and had two daughters Suzanne and Michelle. Joe was a true entrepreneur and visionary so far ahead of his time. He went on to start his own aviation business which he grew Into Midwest Air who flew all of the checks for the Federal Reserve before the time of computers.

Midwest Air eventually became Airborne Express one of the country’s largest freight carriers of which Joe was the founder and CEO. Airborne Express was later sold to DHL.

Joe retired for a short time in the 80’s and moved to Pebble Beach Ca. to play golf and enjoy life however he soon became bored and started a number of airplane dealerships and aviation related businesses. He lived in Pebble Beach for years working in many facets of Aviation through the years. In 1991 he successfully took Piper Aircraft thru bankruptcy, an arduous process that spanned four years. Joe worked hard and was dedicated to everything he did.

During the time he took Piper through bankruptcy Joe found he enjoyed living in South Florida where he stayed after the bankruptcy was successfully concluded it was there he met his wife Patti in 1997. They continued to live in Fort Lauderdale until his passing. They were thrilled to be able to travel all over the world and enjoy life to the fullest. They were truly blessed and happy every day.

Joe is survived by his wife Patti, his two daughters Suzanne Schinsing of Ponte Vedra Fl and Michelle Garrihy of Montana, three step children Melissa Geraghty of Knoxville Tn, Kevin Geraghty and Kate Shea Geraghty both of of Davie Florida His sisters Marina Davis and Kay Garrihy both of County Clare Ireland He is also survived by his very special right arm Yvonne Geraghty wife of Kevin Geraghty who always took such wonderful special care of him . He is very blessed to be survived by 6 wonderful grandchildren whom he loved so much.

Joe was proceeded in death by his parents Danny and Bridie Garrihy, his daughter Scharonn Garrihy and his brother Daniel Garrihy.

Joe will be cremated and his ashes laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

Due to this awful Covid pandemic we are unable to hold a public service at this time. We will schedule a celebration of life for our wonderful Joe when this horrible time is over.