Paul F. Rev. Dr. Garrity

Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity, born on September 01, 1930, went to live with his Lord and Savior on May 07, 2013, at the age of 82. Dr. Paul F. Garrity grew up on the East Coast in Branford Connecticut. Upon graduating from high school, he went on to pursue a college degree from Wagner University. It was at this time that he met the love of his life, Ruth E. Mauzaka. They were married on August 21, 1954 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity was a devoted husband and father. His love was evident in the way that he actively cared for and cherished his wife and family. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity began his college career with the intent of pursuing a business degree. However God had other plans for him; God called him into the ministry. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity changed his career path and entered Seminary and was ordained as a Lutheran Minister since 1959. He was also held in high esteem by his friends and colleagues. After graduating from seminary, he was called and served in the Lutheran Church for five years as Pastor, after which he joined the Army as a Chaplain and served in that capacity valiantly and honorably for 20 years, deploying to Korea and Vietnam. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity retired honorably from his military service in 1979. At that time, God called him to pastor the congregation at Faith Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas. He served at Faith Lutheran Church for 15 years. His compassion and love for his congregations over flowed into everything that he did. He served them tirelessly; he could be counted on in a moment's notice for counseling, prayer, hospital visitation or just to provide a listening ear and words of comfort. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity had a love for academics and reading as well. He went on to obtain his Master's Degree and a Doctorate in Divinity. He even wrote short stories for his children which provided comfort and joy during his deployments. He recorded the stories and sent them home for his children to listen to as bed time stories years before that became the common practice. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity also had a love for music and the arts, which he instilled in his children. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity was predeceased by his beloved son, Paul Kevin Garrity, whom he is now reunited with forever in Heaven. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth M. Garrity. He is also survived by his daughter, Leslie Garrity Kiriakos; his four grandchildren, Paul Zaki, Candace Leslie, Christopher Kevin and Johnathon Michael; and the most recent addition to the family, his great-grandson, Paul Leon Fairley. The family of Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity expresses our appreciation and gratitude to the loving staff at Odyssey Hospice for the compassion and care shown to the family. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity leaves behind a legacy more valuable than gold; a family that loves God and desires to serve Him with all their hearts. He will be sorely missed, but we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his son Paul Kevin Garrity and forever with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rev. Dr. Paul F. Garrity fought the good fight; he ran the race and finished well. The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, May 10, 2013 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

FUNERAL SERVICE

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013

10:00 A.M.

ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

502 E. NUEVA

Pastor Skip Courter will be officiating at Saint John's Lutheran Church. Memorials may be gifted to Saint John's Lutheran Church, Odyssey Hospice or any organization of your choice.