Gilchrist Garvey

Cumberland - Gilchrist Garvey, 95, formerly of Cumberland, passed peacefully with family at his side Thursday, November 9, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Home, East Greenwich. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy I. (Vine) Garvey for 69 years.

Gilchrist was born in Pawtucket, the son of the late Lawrence and Eliza (Hunter) Garvey, and had lived most of his life in Seekonk, MA, and Cumberland, before moving to East Greenwich two years ago.

He is survived by two sons, Stephen Garvey (Patricia) of North Kingstown, RI and David Garvey (Cindy) of Chattanooga, TN and one daughter, Lisa Brainerd (Greg) of Charleston, SC; eleven grandchildren; and seventeen great grandchildren. He was the father of the late Mark Garvey, and his late wife Diane; and half-brother of the late Clinton Goddard. He was especially proud of the fact that he was born an only child whose family had grown to forty-three members.

Gil was a graduate of Pawtucket West High School, Pawtucket, RI, Class of 1946, and upon graduation, enlisted at the age of 17 in the U.S. Army serving as a paratrooper in the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne and was a World War II veteran.

Following service to his country, he attended RISD, studying textiles. He would embark on a career in textile manufacturing followed by 25 years at Tech Industries of Woonsocket, RI and Waterford, Ireland, retiring as Vice President and General Manager.

Gil enjoyed being surrounded by his family and enjoyed playing golf. Along with his late wife, Gil enjoyed traveling throughout the world. For his 90th birthday, he skydived one last time, recalling his military service. He was an avid supporter of the Salvation Army. Gil was a Mason and member of the former Barney Merry Lodge #29, F. & A.M. of Pawtucket, now St. John's Lodge #1, F. & A.M. Providence.

Gil's life will be celebrated Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Relatives and friends are invited to gather prior to the service from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to the Salvation Army Pawtucket Corps, 102 High Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860, and HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated. For directions, or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.

PLEASE NOTE: The funeral service will be livestreamed.  Livestreaming of services occurs in real-time and may be subject to certain limitations of the available network at the time of the event. Should there be a disruption in real-time streaming, a video copy of the service will be uploaded after the conclusion of the event.

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