William S. Garry , Jr. died July 31, 2014 in Mountainside Hospital. He was 72. Born in Irvington, he lived many years in Bloomfield before moving to East Orange two years ago. Memorial Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Drive in Kearny. The cremation was private. To leave online condolence and view more details please visit
Bill was born on July 27, 1942. He was the eldest of five children and was the son of the late William S. and Margaret (nee Hodkinson) Garry. After graduating from Dunellen High School, Bill served in the U.S. Navy. He worked for many years as a travel agent and also worked for Frey Industries before retiring.
Bill was a voracious reader, skillful bridge player and avid bird watcher. Bill loved to travel, especially to sight a new bird to add to his life list, which he was proud to have seen over 600 species. He was a member of the Bloomfield Bridge Club and Montclair Bird Club.
Bill leaves behind his sisters, brother and their spouses Barbara and Bill Sweeney, Judy and Joe Schubert, Deborah Garry and Steve Gabel and Philip and Lorraine Garry. Also surviving him are his nieces and nephew with their spouses and children; Patrick Sweeney and Mercedes Garcia, Diane and Carlos DeOliveira, Cassandra and McKenna Coakley. Bill was also the great Uncle of Ryan and Gary DeOliveira and Liam and Austin Sweeney. Bill was pre-deceased by his longtime friend and companion, Chris Jones.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The N.J. Audubon Society.