Philip Joseph Gara

Loudonville-Philip J. Gara Sr, 84, passed peacefully Tuesday, December 20, 2011 in the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Albany, NY he was the son of the late John and Sarah Doherty Gara and was a lifelong resident of the Albany area. Phil graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, class of 1945. He proudly served in the United States Navy in WW II on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CV42. He had a lifelong career in the grocery industry, managing for Carnation Corporation, Lever Bros., McDermott Food Brokers, and then became owner of the Ross Davis Food Brokers, Inc in 1966 from which he retired in 1989. Not one to be idle, he went on to become Executive Director of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society where he modernized the facility and founded the New York State K-9 Law Enforcement Memorial. His last position was a courier with the B.E.S.T. Systems in Colonie. Phil was a leader in the community serving as a past president of the Grocery Manufactures Representatives of Eastern New York, past president of the Eastern New York State Food Brokers Association, regional representative of the National Food Brokers Association, member of the Board of Trustees of The College of St. Rose, member of the Board of Directors of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and member of the Board of Directors of Wolfert’s Roost Country Club. He was a communicant of St. Pius X Church, Loudonville and past Parish Council member. Phil was also past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 5, Albany, NY where he served as chairman/founder of the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1951; and then as Grand Marshall of the 50th Golden Jubilee Parade in 2000. He enjoyed reading, golfing, fishing, horse racing, watching his Red Sox, and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Phil was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mildred M. Murphy Gara in August of 1993. He was the dear father of Philip J. Gara Jr M.D. (Karen), Michael A. Gara Ph.D. (Ron), Patrick J. Gara (Debra), John J. Gara, Dennis F. Gara (Laura), and Sharon M. Gaffney (Dan); cherished grandfather of Andrew Gara (Alison), Colin Gara, Caitlin Adamczyk (Ian), Lauren Gara, Joshua Gara, Joseph Gara, Kelley Gilbert (Todd), Patrick Gara Jr (Maria), Scott Gara (Devry), Tara Murphy, Conor Murphy, Kerry Gara, Kyle Gara, Sarah Gaffney and Connor Gaffney; great grandfather of Chase, Benjamin, Ryan and Rachel; brother of the late John O’Gara and Mary G. Boland; brother in law of Jean Eaton, Dolores Michalski and The late John A. Murphy; many nieces, nephews and friends survive. Funeral services Friday, December 23, 2011 at 10:00 am at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Michael A. Farano V.G. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, December 22, 2011 3:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rensselaer. Those wishing to remember Phil in a special way may send a contribution to either St. Pius X Church Music Ministry, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville, NY 12211, or Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204 or The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12206. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, obtain a prayer card or directions, or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Philip Joseph Gara

April 17, 1927 - December 20, 2011