Plan for the Future
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas J. McGarvey, 80, of Union, New Jersey. Thomas passed peacefully on August 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and was a genuinely great and honorable man.
Thomas was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late Norman and Rita McGarvey, and was a lifelong resident of Union. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1964-1968 as an Electrician Mate 2nd Class. He supervised fifteen direct reports and was responsible for all Electrical Power Shop activities aboard the Aircraft Carrier, the USS Shangri-La CVA-38. Thomas received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology and his MBA in Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University in East Rutherford, NJ. Thomas had a long and prosperous career at PSE&G for 41 years, working in multiple positions. Thomas was a Past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Union Council #4504 and was also a parishioner of the Church of Saint Philomena in Livingston, NJ. He enjoyed reading, golfing, and was a lifelong fan of the New York Jets.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Janet Kadian McGarvey and their three loving daughters, Kelly Rettberg (Matt), Debra McGarvey Kelly (Kyle), and Laura Dunback (Jack). Thomas was a loving Papa to his three beautiful grandchildren, Josephine McGarvey, Madison Kelly, and Edward Kelly. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Joseph Kadian and his daughter-in-law Stephanie McGarvey.
Thomas has been reunited in eternal peace with his beloved son, Thomas M. McGarvey, whose endless humor is sure to bring laughter and smiles to their eternal rest.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10 am at the Church of Saint Philomena, 386 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston, NJ. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Bradley, Haeberle & Barth Funeral Home, 1100 Pine Ave., Union, NJ. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ. To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Thomas J. McGarvey to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hyland Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
