Leo P. McGarry, 72, of Inkerman, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 4, 2016, at home. Born in Pittston on February 5, 1944, he was the son of the late Joseph P. and Mary Fahey McGarry.
He was a 1961 graduate of Jenkins Township High School, and he attended King’s College. He served in the US Army Reserves 300th Field Hospital.
Early in his career, Leo had been employed at the International Color Press. Shortly thereafter, he began volunteering as a fireman with the Jenkins Township Volunteer Fire Department. His association with JTVFD led to a fulltime professional firefighter position which he held for over 40 years until his retirement in 2009 as Chief Engineer. Leo served in various capacities as a firefighter, most notably, as President of the Jenkins Township Volunteer Fire Department for the past 34 years until his death. Leo was recently honored by the Jenkins Township Board of Supervisors with a certificate of retirement in commendation for community service to the residents of Jenkins Township.
An active member of the community, Leo served on the Jenkins Township Sewer Authority and volunteered his time at the Care and Concern Food Pantry, Pittston. Additionally, Leo worked the weekly auctions at Northeast Penn Salvage Co.
Leo was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Church, Inkerman until its closing, and he was a current member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, and its Holy Name Society. He was a 4th degree Knight of the JFK Council, Pittston Knights of Columbus and a member of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
Leo never missed an opportunity to lend a hand. He was always there for family and friends. He was considered everyone’s “Uncle Leo”. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ruth S. Weiscarger McGarry in 2007; and brother-in-law, James L. Conlon, Jr.
Surviving are his loving family, daughters; Kathleen Thomas, Mountaintop; Theresa (Luther) Snyder, Duryea; Charlene (Kevin) Macaluso, Duryea; son, Joseph McGarry and his fiancé Gabrielle Rufino, at home; grandchildren, Ryan (Danielle); Kyle; and Krystin Thomas; Mia and Luke Snyder; Matthew and Alex Macaluso. Also surviving are his companion of 8 years, Theresa Hannon, Avoca; sisters, Jean Conlon, Inkerman and Marianne (Frank) Roche, West Virginia; brother, Joseph (Barbara) McGarry, NJ; sisters-in-law, Anne (Frank) Noone, Inkerman; Marion (Tom) Roughsedge, Pittston; brother-in-law, Joseph (Ruth) Weiscarger, Plains; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 9:00a.m. from the Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William Street, Pittston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street, Pittston. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 5p.m.-8p.m. and Friday, June 10, 2016, from 5p.m.-8p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Leo’s name to the Jenkins Township Fire Department, 2 Second Street, Jenkins Township, PA; Care and Concern Ministries, Food Pantry, 37 William Street, Pittston, PA or to Allied Services Foundation, 100 Abington Executive Park, Clarks Summit, PA.