Francis McGarry

Francis McGarry's story begins with his McGarry ancestors' arrival in Warren, PA in 1903 and 1904 from Newton Forbes, County Longford, Ireland after migrating from Roscommon. James McGarry and Margaret Farley, Francis' great-grandparents, immigrated with their twins James and Joseph. Their daughter, Margaret, was born in Warren in 1906, followed by John Francis, Eugene, Mary Elizabeth and Jane Felicita. Eugene was ordained into the Franciscan order, becoming Bishop Urban McGarry of Bhagalpur, India. John Francis moved to Cleveland, married Grace and had two children, Sheila Maureen and Dennis John.

Francis, grandson of John Francis and son of Sheila, continued the story begun by his ancestors by adding to the Cleveland chapter of it. He did this, not only by researching the history of the Cleveland Irish and reporting his findings in his column in iIrish; but also by personally engaging with and serving that community, founding the Bluestone Ancient Order of Hibernians, creating Bluestone Hibernian Charities which gives scholarship support to Catholic high school students as well as Borromeo seminarians, and recently incorporating the Ohio Irish Tourism Association, which will develop the Irish Heritage Trail. Although not a native Clevelander, he dedicated himself to maintaining the Cleveland Irish culture and increasing the vibrancy of its community.

Francis McGarry was the Director of the Food Rescue Program at the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.

He was the brother of Jennifer Eileen, Sean Paul, Sheila Kathleen and Margaret Colleen; the proud father of two sons, Amani Clark and Tavehon Jonnathan Francis; the uncle affectionately referred to as "Fr-uncle and "Frillie"; and the loyal and beloved friend to many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 4129 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, at 2 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Reverend Jeff Liptak.

A gathering will follow at the Flat Iron Café.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at a later date.

In Francis' memory, donations can be made to either the Bluestone Hibernian Charities by clicking HERE, the Irish Heritage Trail by clicking HERE, or the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland by clicking HERE.

Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.