obits pg 6 1-19-23



BROOKLYN — Donald F. Garvais, 91, died Jan. 9, 2023, at Pierce Memorial Baptist Home. Born July 17, 1931, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mazie (Murphy) Garvais.
Don graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in 1949, where he was a guard on their State Championship basketball team.
 He graduated from UConn in 1953 with a bachelor’s in business and math, and from Babson College in 1963 with an MBA.
He was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
Don had a distinguished Army career. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, served two tours in Vietnam, taught math at U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and retired, at the rank of full Colonel after more than 20 years of dedicated service.
He was recognized for excellence with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and several other honors. After retiring from the military, he worked at Aetna, Cigna, and ACE insurance companies as a corporative executive.
He was most proud of his role as project manager for the Liberty Two skyscraper in Philadelphia.
He led a vigorous life, enjoying golf well into his 80s, swimming and sailing at his beloved Alexander Lake, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox.
He attended his last game at Fenway at age 91.
He never forgot a birthday.
He leaves his children, William “Brad” Garvais (Darlene) of California, Elizabeth Golec (Joe) of Connecticut, and Geoffrey Garvais of Connecticut; his six grandchildren, Kayla, Claire, Steven, Kevin, Emily, and Abbie; and his former wife and friend Kay, and special friend Nelsa and her family, Carol and Catherine of Pennsylvania.
He was predeceased by his two brothers, Edward and Richard Garvais.
Visitation is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. in Living Faith United Methodist Church on  Grove St., Putnam.
Burial will follow in Grove Street Cemetery. Donations: American Legion at (https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate#legion-org)

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