Stephen T. Garrity

August 24, 1962 - July 26, 2023

...
Text:

Obituary for Stephen T. Garrity

Stephen Thomas Garrity, of Boston, MA passed away peacefully on July 26, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was 60 years old. Stephen was born in Brighton, MA and grew up in Needham, MA, the youngest of three children. He attended Needham High School and graduated from Colby College in 1984 with degrees in Biology and Psychology. Throughout his high school and college years he was very involved in singing and stage performance, possessing a wonderful voice and great stage presence. His lifelong career was as a Clinical Trial Manager for several Pharmaceutical companies, namely Dupont, Wyeth, Organon and Millenium, running clinical drug studies in many hospitals throughout New England.

Stephen was also a master gardener and had his own floral shop, Earth Bound on Tremont St. in Boston.

Stephen was an incredibly fun-loving person whose passion was music, theatre, and the arts. His love was Broadway and performers that really had talent. His mission was to mentor and foster that love of the arts with all his nieces and nephews either biological or chosen. He was everybody’s fun Uncle.

Stephen was diagnosed with AIDS 30 years ago and was an advocate and friend to many who contracted this awful disease. He was the person that everyone counted on to help them through their struggles even though he too was struggling right alongside them. Stephen donated to more charities than anyone could imagine running fundraisers and events, to help those less fortunate. He was a mentor and friend to many who did not have homes or places to stay, taking in people and helping them rehabilitate. He would often donate to local shelters and motivated and encouraged family and friends to help contribute as well. He was a bright light amongst everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Stephen was predeceased by his dear friend and soulmate Gigi Dolan. Stephen is survived by his mother and father, H. Phillip Garrity Jr. and Carolyn of Naples, FL; his brother Phillip Garrity and his wife Carol of Franklin, MA; his sister Lauren (Garrity) Schwindt and her husband Christopher of Clifton, VA. He is also survived by his nephew Mike Garrity and his wife Meg, his nephew Thomas Garrity, his nephew Christopher Schwindt, his niece Jordan Schwindt and her fiancé Brantley Price, and his niece Katie Schwindt. He is also survived by his grandnieces Maisie and Pearl Garrity.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Stephen’s life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON, MA. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Stephen Garrity to the Fenway Health/ Aids Action Committee, 1340 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215
https://support.fenwayhealth.org

Services

16 Sep

Memorial Service

11:00 AM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • September 15, 2023

    David Carr

    Philip,Carol, Lauren, the Garrity family.there are no words to describe how much I miss your brother Stephan. I have known him since jr high school doing community productions and miss his laughter, His incredible sense of humor and that Voice! Such an amazing Voice. I can remember in 2016 when I suffered a stroke and my brothers brought me home, Stephan was there for me I will never forget him, I Love you Stephen R.I.P.

  • September 07, 2023

    Edward Jones

    Steven was a great guy. He was there in my time of need . May he rest in peace. Thank you Steven Edward Jones

  • August 24, 2023

    Betsy Gitelman

    I'm so saddened to hear of Stephen's passing. A few years ago, we got in touch on Facebook and had some conversations that showed me what a sweet, loving human being he was. He really touched my heart. Stephen and I were quite friendly in high school after being in a couple of shows together, and I brought him into Boston to meet Bob Fosse. That day will always be a treasured memory, as will dancing with him at a cast party after a show I helped prop. I just really adored him, and I'm so sad he's gone and that we didn't have a chance to say goodbye. Betsy Gitelman

  • August 10, 2023

    Ken Smith

    Dear Phil and Carol, Lauren and all the Garrity family - every time I think of Stephen, I smile. We were good friends back in the day. His story telling and wicked sense of humor constantly had me in stitches. I will never forget when Kevin, Faiz, Steve and I were driving back from Ogunquit and the car almost didn't make it to The Tobin Bridge tolls. We were freaking out and Steve just kept telling jokes and keeping the three of us laughing so hysterically! So glad we reconnected last summer after too many years away. I will always think fondly and lovingly every time Steve's beautiful face flashes across my mind. ❤️❤️. Ken Smith and Arthur Coe

  • August 09, 2023

    Philip DiPasquale

    Philip DiPasquale: I met Stephen in the Summer of 1990. Over the years, I spent many hours in his apartment in Worcester Square and then Tremont Street. He was one of the kindest and most fun people I have ever known. There was always a gang of friends at Steve's apartment who would drop in and be welcomed. So many laughs. I last saw him a few months ago, and as it got late he insisted that I stay over, saving me a long drive home late at night. He counseled me through a few difficult times. Once, when I could not seem to get anything done, he sat with me, opened my mail and bullied me into writing about 20K worth of checks so that my bills would be paid. Stephen knew what needed to be done. I chatted and texted with him on Facebook only a couple of weeks ago. I wish I had known. He embodied Love in Action. I would love to hear from anyone who was with him. I miss him already. 617.680.0348 / Philip

  • August 02, 2023

    John Marino

    My friend Stephen Stephen T. Garrity & I both loved gardening he was very knowledgeable he would rather take a clipping of a plant & nurture it then buy one & somewhere along the way he got the name of "Garden Bitch " like the protector of the gardens, when ever he would hear of a plant that they put on the evasive list he would call me tell me that we have to save the plant ,I hope you & Tim Haynes are enjoying the heavenly carefree gardens p.s tell Carol I said hi RIP 🥀👨‍🌾🌺🌼💐🙏

  • August 01, 2023

    Rich Gibson

    Phil and Family, We are sorry for the loss of Stephen. It's apparent he had a kind heart and soul and will be richly rewarded for that. Find comfort that he is at peace. God rest his soul now and forever ❤️ Rich and Jane Gibson