John F. Garvey, 80, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2024 at his home.

John was born in Springfield Massachusetts on November 6, 1944 to Francis Patrick and Viola Angelina (Skurka) Garvey.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Claire E. (Garvey) Graves and Joan M. (Garvey) Beaudry.

John leaves his loving wife Helen (Sweety) of 56 years and their three children: Cheryl A. Garvey (Ron) of Ashland, Oregon, John F. Garvey Jr. (Sandy) of Dundee, Michigan and Patricia (Patty) Garvey, her husband Christopher Clements and his most wonderful grandson Colten G. Clements of Fernandina Beach, Florida.

John graduated from Holy Name of Jesus Grammar School in Chicopee, MA and continued his education at Cathedral High School (Class of 1962) in Springfield, MA, completing 12 years of Catholic education.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1962 at the age of 17 and upon completion of USN Tech school served as an aircraft engine mechanic (Aviation Machinist Mate) throughout his tour of active duty. Upon completing his tour of active duty in 1966, he was hired by United Technologies (Pratt & Whitney) as a gas turbine/power equipment operator at their Experimental Test Facility in East Hartford, CT. John remained in the US Navy Reserve for two more years, earning his Honorable Discharge in September 1968 as a Vietnam Era Veteran.

As he advanced through his career, he joined Combustion Engineering’s (C-E) newly formed Plant Operations Department in 1977 in Windsor, CT as one of its original employees and was involved in the operation, Maintenance and testing of a “clean coal” process development unit for the DOE. While at C-E, John attended classes at the University of Hartford School of Engineering. John remained with CE for over 14 years, serving in supervisory and managerial capacities involving: operation and maintenance of power plants, paper mills and energy related projects and facilities. John’s work at CE introduced him to Amelia Island during the early 1980’s while on assignment at Container Corporation of America.

In the early 1990’s John was hired by the newly formed US Generating Company (USGen) located in Rockville, MD and was involved in project development for several power projects. Upon the acquisition of the Cedar Bay Cogeneration Facility by USGen located in Jacksonville, FL, John was assigned as the Plant Operations Manager subsequently promoted to Plant Manager.

Upon leaving USGen in the mid-1990’s, John continued his career in the management of power production facilities when he as recruited by DTE Energy Services in Ann Arbor, MI to serve as the Director of Operations. In addition to having oversight responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the company’s energy production facilities, he was actively involved in the development and acquisition of numerous power generation projects during the earlier years of the company.

John retired from DTE Energy in 2006 but continued to work for DTE as a consultant for the company as it continued to build and acquire new power projects across the country.

During his retirement, John enjoyed playing golf (on any course) but especially on the Fernandina Beach City Course. He was long-time member of the ACE Group and member of the Men’s Golf Association for many years.

John was long time member and communicant of St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach Florida where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 19. 2024 at 11:00 AM.

He will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 9:00 AM with military honors.

Rather than flowers, please make donations in memory of John to St. Michael Academy in Fernandina Beach.