Thomas R. Garrity Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of the greatest, Thomas R. Garrity, Jr. He battled with cancer towards the end of his life and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on November 4, 2025.

Tom was born July 30th and raised in the Southend of Hartford to the late Thomas R. Garrity, Sr. and Lillian “Loretta” Garrity.  

Tom was a wealth of knowledge stemming from his time in the U.S. NAVY, HFD, U.S.postal service, and with his career as a sales rep for marine engines and boat sales at Dipietro Kay, who then became a second family.

From the time Tom was a kid he was always involved in sports which trickled down to his kids with Hockey being his favorite.  Later in life, golf became a sport he excelled in, which many took advice from him in. Tom had a great passion for cooking, which dubbed the household name “Garrity Gourmet”.  From his homemade pizza’s, pig roasts to all the holiday dinners with feasts of seafood.  He did this with his own flare which was always outstanding.

Tom excelled in anything he did whether it was working on his race cars which he shared this passion with his brother who also raced.  A few big passions of his were boating and deep sea fishing. Many knew that when you went out fishing with Tommy, you would be catching fish, and big ones at times. Tom was also an extra in the movie “GREASE”, a story he shared with many.  

Tom’s smile, striking blue eyes, knowledge, drive and his genuine heart will be missed by so many.

Tom’s family and friends were the light of his life, he was so proud of the life and family he established.  

Tom was predeceased by his sister and brother in law Risa & Robert Berens.  Mother-in-law Elizabeth Foley Michalik.

Tom leaves behind his beloved wife, Monica (Michalik) Garrity,  daughter & son Stephanie and Anthony of Colchester, their family dog Lilly Elizabeth.  Brother Scott Garrity (Molly) of FL, Father-in-law, Walter F. Michalik (Lynn Wamester), sister-in-law, Linda Parady & family, Lisa Parady, Adam Moore, Eric & Julia Parady.  Sister-in-law, Cindy & Dr. Quirico Torres of TX & family, Amy Torres & Marc Devens, Matthew, Hannah & Rylee Torres, brother-in-law Peter & Carole Michalik & family, Noelle, Elijah, Eva & Kyle Whalen, Helena.  A special niece, Krista Berens Kelly, husband, Mike and their daughter, Kristina, and special nephew, Michael Berens, his partner Kristine and daughter, Madeline, a special cousin Kenneth & Jean Garrity of FL.  He also had a special place in his heart for our dear family friend Melissa Laribee.

Tom also leaves behind a host of dear friends with whom he shared many morning phone calls with which led to Tom always giving his advice and expertise. Many more that brought meaning during his life, especially Mike Walcott, The Mermigos, Migliore, Rivera, Bazzano, Grano and Shea families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025. at 11:00 in St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, 128 Norwich Ave. Colchester, CT 06415. Full Military honors will follow after the mass.  Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

A Celebration of life to be hosted in the summer to honor Tom’s life and legacy.