Richard Francis Garvin, 88

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NATICK – Richard Francis Garvin passed away at his home on October 6, 2022, at 88. The world lost a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

He was born in Natick, to John and Lena Garvin on September 9, 1934, and raised in Natick. From an early age, Richie rolled up his sleeves and worked to support the people he loved. He began picking produce and working on the irrigation system at Lookout Farm, continued to shoveling and plowing during snowstorms, scaling 25 ft. poles at Natick’s own drive-in movie theater to ensure working light bulbs, providing security in the night shift for Sears Department Store, to his career employment at the Boston Edison Company, where he retired as a supervisor after 42 years of unwavering dedication. 

Richie also enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard in 1953, retiring as First Sergeant with Co B 26th S&T BN after 20 years. He humbly served with a love of country and steadfast commitment to the nation.

A proud graduate of Natick High School Class of 1954, Richie was known for his adept athleticism and served as co-captain of the football team. In addition, he actively participated in hockey, baseball, track, and sang with the glee club. After graduation, Richie competed and traveled across the country, playing men’s softball.

Richie’s strong work ethic and willingness to help others in need led him to contribute heavily to many organizations. He served on Natick’s Recreation & Parks Commission, Chaired the Fourth of July Committee, coached for Natick’s Little League, was a member of the Elks, and actively collaborated with the athletic department for Natick’s football and baseball games to be enjoyed under the lights at night.

In their retirement, Richie and Gerry savored a new chapter of living in Falmouth, MA, and Fort Lauderdale, FL. In those days, Richie volunteered on his building committees, served as association president for his neighborhood, and worked and played at various golf courses. He especially loved his time with the community at New Seabury in Mashpee, MA. Upon his return to Natick, he even worked a summer season at Woodtrail Camp.

Richie delighted in making his houses beautiful homes and took great pride in tending to the work at hand. More often than not, Richie would be observed generously sharing his skills, tools, and time with others to help them in their projects. He especially loved time with his family and friends, where he could be found teasing others with a twinkle in his eyes. If there was hard work to be done or a good time to be had, Richie was always up for both occasions. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Gerry (Healy) Garvin of Natick. He also leaves behind the family he loved and adored; his son, Mark Garvin of Medway and his wife April (Tighe) Garvin,his daughter Rhonda Garvin Conaway of Natick; his grandchildren, Richard Conaway and husband Graeme Reid, Patrick Conaway, Haley Garvin,his best four legged pal: Bandit, as well as many other loving family members, neighbors, and friends. His parents and siblings predeceased him: Eileen Garvin, Robert Garvin, John Garvin, Barbara (Garvin) Kadlick, Edward Garvin, and son-in-law Brett Conaway.

Visiting Hours will be on Friday, October 14, from 4 to 8 pm at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick Common. Friends and relatives are kindly invited to attend a celebration of Richard’s life on Saturday, October 15 at 10 am at John Everett’s, immediately followed by a burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Natick.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to Home Base: Veteran and Family Care: www.homebase.org

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