John P. Garrity, 87, of Carlisle, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at UPMC Pinnacle Carlisle.  He was born on July 17, 1931 in Providence, Rhode Island, and was the middle son of the late Bernard Russel Garrity and Julia (Prior) Garrity.

John graduated from LaSalle High School in Providence, earned his Bachelors' degree from Providence College and a Masters' in Education from the Rhode Island College.  John served in the US Army from 1956 – 1958, where he met his wife, Claire. Initially he was a secondary school teacher in Rhode Island. Shortly after earning his Masters' degree he began working for the Department of Defense (with a concentration in education/career counseling) and eventually was assigned to the US Army War College in Carlisle.  John was an active and dedicated member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlisle, serving the parish in a variety of capacities for 40 years.  He was also a certified handwriting analyst, earning a degree from the International Graphoanalysis School in Chicago, IL. He was able to exercise his passion for the applied science of graphoanalysis via many outlets--as a frequent guest speaker at Carlisle High School for psychology students, a professional speaker at conferences with business professionals, and socially at various weddings, events, and private parties.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Claire M. (Thibodeau) Garrity, two daughters: Julie A. (husband, John) Fanning of Bristow, VA and Maureen C. (husband, Eugene) Thompson of Reston, VA; one grandson, John C. "Jack" Thompson; one brother, Thomas Garrity of AZ and many nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by one brother, Russel Garrity.

A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2019 followed by the Mass of Christian Burial Celebration at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Dr., Carlisle, with Rev. Don Bender officiating.  Burial with military honors will be held on Friday, July 19, at 10:00 a.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church.  www.Since1853.com.