Obituary of Francis Garvey

Francis W. Garvey, a decorated Navy Veteran, passed away after at the Saint Francis Healthcare Facility in Laconia, NH on Tuesday afternoon, September 30, 2008. He was 83 years old. Frank was born and raised in Cambridge, MA. He was the son of the late Edward and Cecelia Garvey. He entered the Navy only days after his 18th birthday to fight in WW II. During the war he saw extensive action as a Signalman Second Class on the destroyer Escort, USS Mitchell (DE 43). The Mitchell spent most of the war in the Pacific Ocean protecting U.S. convoys from Japanese Submarines, and fighter aircraft. The Mitchell was part of the Iwo Jima and Okinawa offensives. The USS Mitchell escorted the battleship, USS Missouri into Tokyo Harbor at the end of WW II. Frank, for his service on the USS Mitchell, received the WW II Victory Medal, America Area Medal, the Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with 8 Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation with 2 Bronze Stars, and the Good Conduct Medal. Frank was extremely proud of his service to his country and continued his support through his involvement in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Tin Can Sailors organizations. Frank worked for Publishers Book Bindery in Winchester for over 40 years. He retired as the production manager for the company. Frank’s favorite hobby was that of boating. He loved being on the water whether it was on Lake Winnipesauke, the waters around Gloucester, on the waters of Florida. He owned numerous boats off all different sizes. It was fitting that he spent his retirement years on the coast of Florida at Deerfield Beach and the shores of Lake Winnipesauke in Gilford. He and his wife Lois made the most of their lives and shared many wonderful and memorable times with family and friends. Frank was the beloved husband of Lois A. (Mossman) Garvey. He was the loving father of Bruce Garvey & his long time companion, Sandra Melanson of Woburn and Sandra O’Flaherty & her husband Peter of Billerica. He was the brother of the late John, Edmund, and Catherine Garvey. He was also survived by 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment will be private. Memorials in Frank’s name can be made to the Community Health & Hospice, 780 N. Main St., Suite 1, Laconia, NH 03246.