Raymond "Jabbo" Garvaglia

Raymond “Jabbo” Garvaglia, 85, of Niagara, died Wed. August 16, 2017 at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. He was born on Sept. 17, 1931 in Iron Mountain, the son of the late John “Jack” and Louise (Neveau) Garvaglia. Ray graduated from Niagara High School in 1950. While in high school he was the star athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He served in the U.S. Army Airborne as an airplane mechanic during the Korean War. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. When Ray returned home, he went to work at the Niagara Paper Mill, working until his retirement in 1991.________ He married Cary Hanson on August 21, 1954 in Clintonville, WI. The couple enjoyed almost 63 years of marriage. Together they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and overseas. They also owned Garvaglia’s Christmas Tree Farm for many years. Ray had a kind heart and was always willing to help anyone, especially his family and the elderly. Family was important to Ray and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren He was an avid woodworker and was proud to be able to share his work. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He was a wonderful gardener and was proud to be able to share his vegetables with others. Ray was an active member at St. Anthony Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. Ray is survived by his wife Cary, four children Jacki (Jeff) Courney of Niagara, Todd (Linda Severson) Garvaglia of Niagara, Craig (Maureen) Garvaglia of Niagara, and Chris (Joe) Bratta of Mundelein, IL, two brothers Ted (Judy) Garvaglia of Niagara and Rick Gunville of Quinnesec, ten grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, He was preceded in death by a son Jeffrey “Jabbo” Garvaglia, his sister Lois (Ray) Sielaff, his stepfather Earl Gunville, a nephew Mark Garvaglia, and a special aunt, who helped raise him, Kate Serene. Visitation will be today from 1-4 pm at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Funeral services will follow at 4pm at the church. Father Matthew Settle will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Maryhill Manor, the American Diabetes Association, or the American Heart Association Condolences to the family of Raymond Garvaglia may be expressed online at ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Raymond "Jabbo" Garvaglia

September 17, 1931 - August 16, 2017