Paul Francis Garvey

Paul Francis Garvey

Paul Garvey (aged 72) died in his sleep on February 19th, 2023. Paul was born in 1950 to the late, beloved, Mark and Helen Garvey. He was a life-long Ithacan and travelled in Europe, Canada, and the US. He was a talented, skilled, creative and versatile guy.

Paul was an athlete. Ithaca’s Peewee hockey program started it all.; then to soccer, lacrosse, and more hockey. In the late ’60’s, he was a Captain of the IHS hockey team. He went on to become the first freshman to ever make the Clarkson varsity hockey squad. As much as he loved hockey, he wasn’t as keen on studying mechanical engineering, so he went on to pursue his life-long passion for art.

He earned his BFA at RIT majoring in printmaking, minoring in painting. He carefully attended to all the intricacies involved in creating the final image, be it a lithograph, woodcut, or a painting using oils or pastels. His art graces countless walls in Ithaca and around the country.

Paul’s appreciation of stone began with lithography and grew into working with stone, mostly Llenroc from Finger Lakes Stone Quarry. He and Steve Gibian built the “Great Wall of Forest Home” in 1975, an impressive retaining dry wall which stands as solidly and beautifully today as it did then.

He was also known as a skilled and affable self-employed contractor. Forming a partnership with Rick Rogers, he specialized in the science of “hydrokinetics” which involved installing seamless rain gutters for many very satisfied customers.

Paul loved and was very proud of his daughter, Maeve, and her accomplishments. They liked to watch birds, sports and classic movies together. He made her great Halloween costumes.

Paul had many friends, some ever since high school, some more recent. He loved nature and music. He carried a tune well. His smile and wit were quick. He was a kind and considerate guy.

He is survived by his daughter, Maeve and her mother, Shelley. Also surviving are his sister, Meg, an aunt and cousins scattered across the country. He was predeceased by his brother,Tim.

Those interested are invited to make a donation to the charity of one’s choice. There will be a celebration of Paul Garvey’s life Sunday, May 7, 2023 at noon at Stewart Park’s large pavilion. Some of Paul’s art will be on display, which guests can take as keepsakes.