Charles Michael Garverick

CAPT (ret.) Charles Michael “Mickey” Garverick, United States Navy, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026 with his beloved wife and daughter by his side. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, decorated naval officer, and pillar of his community, Mickey dedicated his life to serving our nation, family, and faith.

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Mickey distinguished himself early in life by achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and joining the Order of the Arrow. After graduating from Washington–Lee High School in 1955, he earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, graduating with the Class of 1959. On June 6, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Clark, beginning a loving marriage of over 67 years.

Mickey’s distinguished 24-year naval career began aboard the destroyer USS MULLINNIX, where he served as Chief Engineer and deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Personally selected by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover for the elite nuclear propulsion program, he transitioned to the submarine force, completing submarine training in Groton, Connecticut. He earned his submarine dolphins aboard USS PERMIT.

His nuclear submarine service included key leadership roles on ballistic missile submarines, serving as Navigator on USS SAM HOUSTON, Executive Officer on USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, and Commanding Officer of USS ANDREW JACKSON. Later, in the TRIDENT System Project, he expedited the delivery of USS OHIO to the fleet and served as Director of Integrated Logistics Support. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and multiple unit medals.

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1983, Mickey entered the defense industry, leading major enterprise integration, logistics, and IT security contracts for federal agencies, including installing critical security systems for the Executive Office of the President. In 2001, he became Executive Director of the Naval Submarine League, leading the organization for 13 years as a steadfast advocate for the US Navy’s submarine force.

A man of deep personal faith, Mickey served as a Deacon and Trustee at Burke Community Church, sang in The National Christian Choir for over 30 years, counseled many families through financial planning with Crown Financial Ministries, and served on the Advisory Board of the Officers’ Christian Fellowship Retreat Center at White Sulphur Springs.

Mickey loved his family and enjoyed celebrating milestone anniversaries by treating his family to Disney cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. Last November Mickey and Ruth were honored by Marriage Encounter as the longest married couple in Virginia. Mickey was the patriarch of his family and had a smile and kind word for everyone he met.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Clark Garverick; his three children, Richard Garverick, Karen Bosy (married to CDR (ret.) Thomas Bosy), and Paul Garverick; five cherished grandchildren, and three adored great grandchildren.

Shipmate, your watch is complete and you are relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led. Until we meet again in eternity, fair winds and following seas, CAPT. Well done, good and faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Burke Community Church Benevolence Fund.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.