John Gerard Mary Garvey, 71, was born in Galway, Ireland, on November 13th, 1954, to Thomas and Nora Garvey and died surrounded by his wife and children, in Orange, California, on August 31 2026. He leaves behind his wife Shelagh, daughter Meghan and spouse Carter, daughter Erin, son Brian and spouse Deanna, daughter Caitlin and spouse Ian. And was known as Papa to his grandchildren Lilly, Ava, Claire, Patrick, Declan, Nora, Theo, and Finn.

John grew up in the village of Ballintubber, with his seven siblings, Pat, Greta, Norrie, Martin, Tom, Mary, and Michael. He spent his youth playing along the castle walls and excelled in Irish football; representing his local club St. Croans. He worked and made many memories in the family pub, which the family also lived above. He learned his butcher trade working under his brother in law Paddy Smyth. It was in Ballintuber on Christmas Eve night in Garvey’s Bar that he met his wife, Shelagh, while she was visiting the same village her own mother came from.

In 1978, John moved to America to be with Shelagh and they were married. Not long after, they welcomed their first child, Meghan and a second child Erin. In 1983, they moved to their home on Silva Street in Lakewood. They welcomed Brian and Caitlin into the family a few years later.

In America, John worked as a butcher for a variety of grocery stores. Always a hard worker, he worked six days a week for over 40 years. He continued his love of playing soccer on his day off. He coached his own children in soccer and got great joy out of watching them play. They were members of St. Cyprian parish and made many life long friends there. Over the years, the Garvey home hosted memorable St. Patrick’s Day and Fourth of July celebrations and many happy times with family and friends. He was always the life of the party, welcoming everyone.

After John retired, he spent his time relaxing in his backyard, the Auld Spot, listening to Irish radio, reading, and watching the birds and butterflies. He loved having his grandchildren around him - as he often said, ‘it brings a tear of joy to my eye’. He loved to sing, dance and tell stories with family and friends. He will leave us all with memories of him laughing and loving life.