Thomas McGarry

Thomas A "Tom" McGarry, 88, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at Valley Eldercare, Grand Forks, ND, with his family by his side. Tom was born in Taylorville, Illinois, on December 20, 1924, the son of Richard L. and Bertha (Rodems) McGarry. He was educated at St. Mary's Catholic School and Taylorville High School in 1942. He entered the U.S. Navy Seabees in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946 after service in France, New Caladonia and Japan. In 1948, Tom married Geraldine (Gerry) Chamness at Oak Park, IL. In 1958, Tom began working at Norby's Department Store in Grand Forks, where he retired from after 35 years. He was a member of St. Michael's Church in Grand Forks, The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tom is survived by his wife, Gerry, daughter Sheila (Robert) Pariseau of Chelmsford, MA, sons Kevin (Kimberly) of Rochester, MN, Steven (Michelle) of Santa Rosa, CA, grandchildren Kelly Heidt (John), Elizabeth Pariseau, Christine Schneider (Tom), Megan Hafferman (Andrew), Michael (Jenny) McGarry, Brandon McGarry, Connor McGarry, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents, brothers Richard and Frank McGarry, sisters Helen Nussman, Mary Davis and Teresa Wilkey. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Michael's Catholic Church. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service in the church.