Robert Alphonse McGarry

Robert "Mac" Alphonse McGarry Sr., on May 3rd, 2021 at the age of 93, peacefully passed to be united with his loved ones. He was born on May 31, 1927 in New Orleans to Alphonse and Mary (Winstine) McGarry. He was a life-long resident of New Orleans, growing up in the Irish Channel and attended Redemptorist. He did not graduate school, instead he began his career with the Southern Pacific Railroad from which he retired; with only a brief pause to join the US Navy. During World War II, as a Seaman First Class, he fought in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, stationed in the Philippians. He returned home and married his wife, Ruth Olga Reinecke and went on to raise three children, Kim, Robert Jr. and Scott. Robert will be remembered for his enthusiasm of Christmas, passion for tomato sandwiches, port wine and Irish coffee. He delighted everyone with his songs and jingles, especially "Bond Bread" and "War Bonds". He had the gift of gab and a knack of spinning tales of his childhood and life adventures which often ended with him smiling and occasionally remarking, "Mum's the Word". He touched the hearts of many and left an array of unforgettable memories.
He will be missed by his beloved grand pups, who enjoyed jumping in his lap, snuggling, head pats and countless hours of playing catch with a ball.
His faith and caring of others will be forever remembered by his family and friends, especially John Gavin, Eva & Will Laughery, Sharon Creel Tatum, Linda Creel Treadaway, Monica McGarry, Glenn Thibodeaux, Carolyn McGarry Rhodes, Trachelle Cross, Lakeyia McGhie, Dirgni Augustine and numerous nieces and nephews with whom he spent time.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Olga Reinecke, father Alphonse Arthur McGarry Sr, mother Mary Albertine Winstine, and siblings: Geraldine "Gerry" Creel, Alphonse "Red" Jr., William "Willie", Anna Mae, John, Harold, Caroline; and his companion Irma Hearn; all whom with he will be dancing an Irish Jig and doing the Huck-a-buck.
He is survived by and will forever be lovingly remembered by his three children, Kim Gavin, Robert Jr. (Julie), and Scott (Darlene); his grandchildren Rachel (Luke), Patrick, Christopher, Ruth, Sean, Amber (Kevin), Brian (Jessica), Renee (Todd), Stephen (Michelle), Chase (Sara); and great-grandchildren Arabella, Millie, Isabella, George and Estelle.
Special thanks to the nurses, staff and personnel of St Tammany Parish Hospice and Hospital for the amazing care they provided him and Greenwood Funeral Home and Cemetery for making the transition peaceful.
He began his journey with his wife on Myrtle Street, New Orleans and completes his "Circle of Life" on 25 Myrtle, Greenwood Cemetery.
There will be a small graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery in Metairie, LA on Saturday, May 8th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Little Sisters of the Poor at 1655 McGill Ave., Mobile, AL 36604.

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