John T. Garry II

Loudonville-John T. Garry II, 93, who lived a long and full life, died peacefully February 11 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn surrounded by his loving family. Born December 12, 1923 in Albany, N.Y., the son of the late Joseph A. Garry Sr. and Jean Theresa Cramond Garry. Jack graduated from School 19 and Vincentian Institute where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was captain of the football team and an All Albany guard and later in life was honored with an induction into the Diocesan Athletic Hall of Fame. Jack enrolled at Cornell University in 1942 but soon enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he was trained as a bomber pilot, receiving his wings in June 1944. Jack was assigned to the 8th Air Force in England and flew B17’s on missions over Germany; he received the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement, the EAME Ribbon and three European Battle Stars. Upon return from service, Jack enrolled at Siena College and married fellow V.I. graduate, Mary Regina (Jean) Hoffman in 1947. He graduated with high honors from Siena in 1949 and Albany Law School in 1952 where he was Moot Court Trial Award winner with his future law partner, James Cahill. Jack enjoyed a long and successful career as a respected attorney at Garry, Cahill & Edmunds and Garry & Garry with his son Michael. He served as Assistant Albany Corporation Counsel and Assistant District Attorney for Albany County until he was appointed District Attorney for Albany County by Governor Averill Harriman in 1958 and proceeded to be elected for two terms. He was president of the NYS District Attorney’s Association. Jack, “A Man of Action”, was a proud Democrat, vice chairman of Albany County Democratic Committee and serving as Chairman of the Town of Colonie Democratic organization for many years. With his parents and beloved brother Joe, he formed Roaring Brook Ranch resort in Lake George. He was also a successful real estate developer and principal of Garry Realty in Albany. A man of great faith, honor, keen intellect, and integrity, Jack devoted his time and talents to many community organizations. He was member of the NYS Bar Association, the Albany Chamber of Commerce, a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a lifetime member of the Albany Elks. Jack was Chairman of the Board of the Albany Boys Club, President of the Board for Camp Thacher and with his long time friends, Father Peter Young and Ben Becker, established the Albany Big Brothers Association which later became Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He served for 28 years on the Board of Directors for the LaSalle School for Boys, was a VP of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and was Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Birthright in Albany. He served on the board for St. Peter’s Hospital, the Albany Council of Crohn’s and Colitis Disease, and on the Board of Trustees of The Academy of the Holy Names, Siena College and was president of the Siena Alumni Association. Jack was a skier and avid golfer, he formed the Chatiemac Association in North Creek, NY where he maintained a second home. He was a life member of Wolferts Roost Country Club where he enjoyed many rounds of golf and his expansive network of friends. He loved his garden and was a member of the Men’s Garden Club of Albany. Ever the gentleman, Jack was devoted to his Roman Catholic faith, his large extended family, his friends, community and country. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. His generosity and “can do/never quit” attitude served as a role model for his entire family who he entertained with his “smiling Irish eyes”, corny jokes, and beautiful voice. In addition to his parents and brother Joe, he was predeceased by his wife Jean, whom he lost in 1988, and brothers’ in law, Ray Fisher and Joe Hoffman. Jack was ever thankful for the blessing of his second marriage to Claire O’Brien Baynes in 1989 and his wonderful extended family. In addition to Claire, he is survived by his children: John, Michael (Janet), Regina McCormick (Al), Maureen Torncello (Dave), Suzanne Darves-Bornoz (Daniel) and Patty Baynes (Brendan); his grandchildren Michael (Kim) and Kevin Garry, Maggie Dallal (Uri), Suzanne and Farrell McCormick, David and Christopher Torncello, Jacqueline Swanson(Erik), Annie and Peter Darves and Brendan, Jeanne and Liam Baynes and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by Claire’s seven children including Peter (Eileen) and Christopher (Kathleen) Baynes of Albany, and Claire’s 26 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Also survived by his sisters-in-law, Joan Fisher and Joyce Hoffman, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and by his beloved friend, neighbor and caretaker, Karen Lovrin. Funeral Services Friday, February 17, 2017 at 11:00 at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mr. Garry’s family Thursday, February 16, 2017 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Regina and John T. Garry Scholarship Fund at Siena College, Development Office, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211. The family would like to thank his caretakers, especially Queenie Barnhill, for their dedication, love and care. To leave a message for the family, light a candle, obtain directions, or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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John T. Garry II

December 12, 1923 - February 11, 2017