William Charles McGarry

William “Bill” McGarry—beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and the irreplaceable “Papa” to those who adored him—passed away peacefully at the age of 86, on Friday, August 14th, his wedding anniversary, after a brief illness and surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Jamaica Plain, Bill graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1958, where he played clarinet in the marching band and was a standout pitcher on the baseball team. He was immensely proud that the Boston Red Sox invited him to Spring Training for his pitching. Immediately after high school, he joined the United States Air Force, serving proudly from 1958 to 1962 and earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1961. After his service, he attended Northeastern University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

In August 1965, Bill married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Gladys. For 60 years, she was his heart, his soul, and his cheer. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family, joy, and unwavering devotion.

Bill/Dad/Papa is survived by his wife Gladys; his eldest daughter Lisa Swain and spouse Scott, and their sons Donovan and Jack; his middle daughter Julie Meade and partner Michael Schneider, and her sons Joe and Nick; and his youngest daughter Donna. He also leaves behind his beloved brother Bob and wife Kathy; his nephew Chris; his niece Katy Barry, her spouse Bud, and their children Killian, Keira, Maeve, with one more on the way. His four grandsons—Donovan, Joe, Jack, and Nick—were his pride, his joy, and his “fellas.”

Bill was all about family, community, and keeping everyone together. He coached his daughters’ soccer teams and a group of young men—the Frogs—in hockey. He made it a point to be at every game, every concert, and every important moment in his daughters’ lives. Later, when the grandsons arrived, he was over the moon. From leaf pile romps and wheelbarrow rides to golf outings as they grew older, nothing compared to the magical moments he shared with his boys. Teaching them golf and watching them play was one of his greatest joys.

Papa was known for his youthful spirit—viewing each day as a gift. He walked his morning miles with a song on his lips, a skip in his step, and dog biscuits in his pocket, greeting pets and people along the way. Animals adored him, and he adored them right back.

Bill found joy not only in family but in lifelong friendships. His time at Blueberry Hill Campground was legendary—theme dinners, card nights, golf parades, talent shows with coconuts and grass skirts and even releasing a life-size dragon onto the pond in the middle of the night just to make people smile. His favorite was the Blues Brothers parade—boy, he loved being there. Wherever Bill went, laughter followed. He knew how to make ordinary days unforgettable.

He and Gladys traveled to Florida each year, savoring every moment of the journey together. Anyone who knew him understood his passion for golf—playing weekly with friends, counting putts, sharing a beer, and approaching the game with the heart of a little kid.

Bill understood that life was a gift, each moment a present. He made the most of every minute with a smile in his heart. The author of countless magical moments on ordinary days, he left this world a better place simply by being in it.

Bill/Dad/Papa was our anchor, our calm, our steady hand, the leader of our band. He was the glue that held us together, the smile that lifted us, the love that shaped us. His heart was enormous, his patience endless, and his presence irreplaceable. He will live on in every story, every memory, and every person he touched.

Rest in peace, Bill / Dad /Papa. We know you’re out on heaven’s fairways with a twinkle in your eye and a club in your hand. We carry your heart in our hearts. All our love, your guys.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation in the Sullivan Funeral Home 551 Washington St., (Rte 53) Hanover, on Thursday August 20, 2026 from 9 to 11 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 AM in the funeral home. Burial in Pembroke Center Cemetery, Pembroke.