John "Jack" Frederick McGarry

JOHN FREDERICK (JACK) MCGARRY (1930-2024) has passed away in his 94th year, after a brief illness. Born in Guelph ON, where he lived all of his life, Jack led a full and active life with his wife of 70 years, Mary Margaret (Peggy) McGarry.

Jack was a man of strong faith and his participation in his Church brought him great joy and peace. His charitable works enriched the lives of many, many people over more than seven decades. Jack was a gifted dancer and musician-–some would say a born entertainer. He was a member of many orchestras and bands in the Guelph area, including The Don Singular Band, Guelph Concert Band, The Twilites, and was known on occasion to don a kilt in The Kilty Concert Band and lederhosen for Octoberfest. Jack tap-danced his way around the province, dancing well into his 80s. His music brought comfort to so many and It was fitting that in his final hours, his daughters sang to him his favourite hymns to bring peace and comfort to him.

His legacy is his four daughters, Joanne (David Hosker), Martha (Larry Wilder), Patricia (Dennis Ridgeway) and Jacqueline (Luciano Zilio); his thirteen grandchildren, Graeme Smart (Jenesse), Jordan Smart (Rebecca), Gregory Hosker, Brendan Ridgeway (Hilary), Kevin Hosker (Kendra), Devin Smart (Hillary), Jon Hosker (Maggie) Jason Zilio (Nicole), Natalee Ridgeway Miller (Justin), Kayla Dunn (Scott), Jesse Zilio (Amber), Shane Wilder and Ethan Wilder; and his thirteen great-grandchildren: Emma Smart, Ryan and Kian Smart, Grayson and Audrey Hosker, Tenley and Teagan Hosker, Harper and Lachlan Dunn, William and Eleanor Ridgeway, Lucas Zilio and Clare Miller. Jack was an uncle to many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Patrick McGarry, his mother, Mary Ellen O’Halloran (McGarry, McDonald) and stepfather, Howitt McDonald and his sister Joan (McGarry) Ditner.

Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. Visitation will take place on Thursday February 15, 2024, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Funeral Mass to take place at 10:30am on Friday February 16, 2024, at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate Parish, 28 Norfolk St, Guelph. Reception to follow. Private family entombment to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jack’s favourite charities: Hospice Wellington, Guelph General Hospital, Basilica of Our Lady or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“Make me a channel of your peace.”