Harold "Tubby" George Garverick Jr.

Tubby was born July 14, 1937, in Galion, Ohio, the third of five children born to Harold and Mina (Wilson) Garverick. He graduated from Galion High School in 1955, where he was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and baseball, earning All-Conference honors in multiple sports. A natural leader, he served as class president and was later inducted into the Galion High School Hall of Fame. It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Nola Belle Althouse.

After high school, Tubby attended the University of Illinois before transferring to Bluffton College (now Bluffton University). At Bluffton, he excelled as a football linebacker and baseball catcher for the Beavers from 1958 to 1960. During his transfer year, he served as a football student coach, scouting opponents and preparing the team for competition. He was elected football co-captain both seasons he played and earned All-Conference recognition in football both years and in baseball his senior year. He was later inducted into the Bluffton College Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements and leadership.

Tubby married Nola on August 24, 1958, and together they shared 67 devoted years of marriage. They raised their three sons (Mike, Pat, and Kelly) in Mentor, Ohio. A devoted father, he was deeply involved in coaching youth league sports and mentoring young athletes. His proudest accomplishment was his family, and he especially cherished being Papa to his beloved grandchildren (Krista, Michael, Maggie, and Jack).

After earning his degree in business, Tubby built a distinguished career with State Farm Insurance, serving as an agent, agency manager, and Director of Education and Training. He also taught insurance courses at Lakeland Community College. His dedication to education extended into public service, where he served eight years on the Mentor School Board and received the Mentor Teachers Association’s “Friend of Education” Award. Tubby was also instrumental in raising funds to build the Mentor High School football stadium and served as president of the Pinegate Community Homeowners Association.

In 2006, Tubby retired and he and Nola moved to Goodyear, Arizona, where they enjoyed retirement and time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Margie Leyden and Kate (Walter) Smith; and his brother Harry (Faye) Garverick.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nola; his sons, Mike (Chandra), Pat (Kathleen), and Kelly (Beth) Garverick; his cherished grandchildren, Krista (Trey), Michael (Katelyn), Maggie, and Jack; his brother, James (Bonnie) Garverick; his sister-in-law, Nancy Weiner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Tubby will be remembered for his leadership, loyalty, competitive spirit, devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made on his community.

A celebration of life will be held in Mentor, Ohio, at a later date