H. Phillip "Phil" Garrity, Jr.

H. Phillip “Phil” Garrity Jr. of Needham, MA passed away on November 23, 2023, at the age of 89.

Phil was born on February 24, 1934, to the late H.P. Garrity and Gertrude L. Garrity of West Roxbury, MA.  He was a 1951 graduate of Roxbury Latin School and 1955 graduate of Georgetown University, where he was captain of the swim team.  He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959 and served in the Pacific and Mediterranean fleet.  Phil married Carolyn H. Doyle of West Roxbury, MA in 1955 and they shared three children, Phillip, Lauren, and Stephen Garrity.

Phil entered the insurance business in 1960 and retired in 1994 as Executive Vice President of Deland, Gibson Insurance Associates of Wellesley, MA.  He also took pride in serving the Town of Needham, first on its Finance Committee for three years and later as Selectman for 25 years, including eight terms as Chairman of the Board.  He was a member of the Republican State Committee, the Board of Directors for Newton South Co-op Bank, and the Needham Exchange Club.  He also served as President of the PTC and Trustee for Roxbury Latin School.  He was honored as Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1990.

Phil and Carolyn enjoyed an eventful retirement, splitting time between their homes in Pocasset on Cape Cod and in Naples, FL.  Phil was an avid golfer, tennis player, and swimmer.  He was instrumental in the lives of his grandchildren, who treasure their memories with him, including spending every summer together on Cape Cod.

Phil was predeceased by his youngest son, Stephen Garrity.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 68 years, Carolyn Garrity; his daughter, Lauren (Garrity) Schwindt, and her husband Christopher Schwindt; and his grandchildren, Christopher Schwindt Jr., Jordan Schwindt, and Katie Schwindt.  Phil is also survived by his eldest son, Phillip Garrity III, and his wife Carol Garrity; his grandchildren, Michael Garrity and Thomas Garrity; and his two great grandchildren, Maisie Garrity and Pearl Garrity.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4-7pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham MA on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:00 am. Interment with Military Honors will follow at approximately 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Calvary Road, Roslindale, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: The Roxbury Latin School, Development Office, 101 St. Theresa Ave, West Roxbury, MA 02132. https://www.roxburylatin.org/supporting-rl/

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