Gerald Willis Garbitt

Gerald “Gerry” Willis Garbitt, born on December 23, 1948, in Middleborough, MA, passed away on July 1, 2025, after a brief illness.  He was the eldest son of the late Earnest J. Garbitt III and Mary P. Garbitt.

Gerry graduated from Apponoquet Regional High School, where his passion for mechanics took root.  When his father brought home a 1953 Chevy, it sparked what became a lifelong love of automobiles.  That first “field bomb” led to countless hours spent tinkering the in “The Barn” where Gerry was always deep into one project or another.  Though he often joked he was a “jack of all trades master of none”, he came remarkably close-especially in his skills as a plumber.

Over the years, Gerry’s path took him from Lakeville and Hyannis, MA, to Cape Cod, Long Island, and eventually Coolidge Arizona.  On the Cape, he enjoyed working with his Uncle Dick Garbitt, restoring 1942 Cadillacs.  He also spent time working on commercial fishing boats and later worked for the railroad during his time in New York.

Gerry lived with his beloved sister Karen “Kate” Browne for many years, and later his cousin Glen Garbitt. When he moved to Arizona to be close to his mother, he became her dependable “go-to” handyman-always ready to help with anything she needed.

Gerry had one of the strongest work ethics you could find. He worked right up until two months before his passing, serving as a Foreman for Universal Piping.  He deeply valued his coworkers and considered them his second family-especially his protégé James, who remained by Gerry’s side through the end.  For that, the family is eternally grateful.

Gerry is survived by his children, Andrew, Renee, Robert and Kerri Ann Garbitt; his siblings Marie White, Karen Browne, Ronald Garbitt, and Earnest J. Garbitt IV; and his grandchildren:  Leo Pike, Lucas Pike, Shenee’ Kateri, Zelie Garbitt, Paisley Lynch, and Phoenix Reis.  He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will deeply miss his presence.  He will be forever loved and never forgotten.

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