Obituary of Raymond J. Garrison

Raymond J. Garrison Sr. passed away peacefully in Ocean City, NJ with his family by his side on October 4,2018. Born to John and Margaret, (nee Reese), Garrison on June 12, 1933, he grew up in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, where he spent an idyllic childhood right around the corner from Grace Kelly. He attended Saint Bridget Elementary School and graduated form Roman Catholic High School. He proudly served in the US Army from 1953-1955. He remained stateside during the Korean War, employing his IBM skills at the Pentagon. Upon discharge, Raymond married Catherine, “Cass”, (nee Kelly), and they raised five children in Lafayette Hill. He spent his early career at Burpee Seed, Tastykake, and Whitman Chocolates installing and managing their IBM programs. Raymond finished the last twenty-five years of his career working for his big brother, Jack Garrison, as production manager of Garrison Printing in Philadelphia.

Raymond was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by Julia Cabot (Stephen), Raymond Jr. (Donna), Cassie Garrison, Patricia Vanneman (Bill) and Mary Wynne (John), fourteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and brother John “Jack” P. Garrison (Barbara).  He is predeceased by his beloved sister, Margaret Garrison.

Ray enjoyed playing golf, spending time at his mountain home in Beltsville, PA and watching the horse races. An avid Phillies and Eagles fan, Ray was thrilled when the Eagles won the Superbowl last year. He was an easy-going man who loved playing pinochle and rummy and a good meal. In his later years, he especially liked watching the boats and planes come in from his back deck at the shore, attending American Legion functions and going to the Ocean City Senior Center where he liked playing Bingo and Rummikub. Raymond Garrison touched many lives and he will continue to inspire and encourage us to grow. We are all better for having known him.

Ray was a longtime member of Saint Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 on Friday, October 12 at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pk. Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.

Visitation hours will be Friday morning before Mass from 9:30-10:30 AM at the church.

Ray’s interment will take place following Mass at Westminster Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA

In Lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to American Legion Morvay-Miley Post #524, P.O. Box 363, Ocean City, NJ 08226

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