Dr. William F. Garrahan

91, of Narragansett RI, a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 11, 2021. He was the devoted husband to Geraldine Savageau Garrahan for more than 66 years. Together they created a wonderful family, and a full and vibrant life.

Bill Garrahan was born July 27, 1929, in Woonsocket, R.I. to William F. Garrahan Sr. and Dorothy Barry Garrahan. He attended LaSalle Academy in Providence, and received his BA from St. Anselm's College in Manchester, N.H., where he graduated Cum Laude and lettered in basketball and ice-hockey. He received his M.D. from Georgetown Medical School in Washington DC, in 1955, and went on to do his internship and residency at Worcester City Hospital before continuing with his specialization in orthopedics at the Peter Bent Brigham and the Children’s Medical Center in Boston.

While at Georgetown Medical School, Bill commuted every weekend, with two fellow students, to Woonsocket, to see beautiful Geraldine Sauvageau. That there was no I95 in those days was of no matter.  The couple wed on September 11,1954, in the midst of a hurricane. Yet, despite that inauspicious beginning, Geri and Bill maintained and nurtured a loving relationship, a beautiful family, and a happy life together for more than 66 years.

Dr Garrahan set up his first practice in Warwick, R.I. in 1960, in partnership with Dr. Edwin Madden.  In 1966 he would become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr Garrahan was a trusted and respected orthopedic surgeon who served as Chief of the Kent Country Medical Staff, President of the Kent County Medical Society and President of the Rhode Island Orthopedic Society.The couple’s first home was in East Greenwich, RI, where they raised their five children, and developed strong roots in the community- it was the best of times. When the nest emptied, Geri and Bill found their way to Narragansett, where Geri put her creative talents to use, renovating a new family home, and where they created a full life together, for more than 35 years.

“Dad” was a natural family man who adored the time he spent with his children. He was generous and nurturing and he guided and supported them through the years, never missing an opportunity to celebrate their achievements or share their joy. When his children were involved in school sports, he started working with high coaches and athletic directors, supporting high school sports. He was ‘Doc’, with an open, welcoming smile, and he was an “Everyman”, without pretense. He was also a natural problem solver and he was a wonderful orthopedic surgeon. If you were in need, he’d give you the shirt off his back, and if it didn’t fit, he’d find you one that did.

Bill was a devoted husband who cherished the life that he and Geri created together. They were members of the Dunes Club, and Point Judith Country Club, in Narragansett. They enjoyed traveling and discovering the world together- and took great joy in visiting their son Tom, his wife and 3 children, who have lived in Europe for the past 35 years, in 5 different countries.

Bill was a spiritual man, guided by the teachings of the Christian brothers from his formative years at LaSalle Academy, followed by the Benedictine Monks at St. Anselm’s, then the Jesuits at Georgetown. In his later years, he attended the 7 a.m. mass at Christian Brothers in Narragansett nearly every day before joining the guys for coffee; a morning ritual of religion and comradery that brought him joy and reminded him of his purpose. He supported the Christian Brothers Center in Narragansett and served on the board at the affiliated Ocean Tides School.

As much as Bill loved orthopedics, in his heart he was a sportsman. As a youth, Bill played on football and basketball club teams, and at St. Anselm’s, he played on the college varsity ice hockey and basketball teams. Later, of course, he embraced his life as a surgeon and family man, forgoing sports, until, at the young age of 50, he discovered a new sports passion: Senior Track & Field. This athletic endeavor became his new challenge in life, and his new joy. Through hard work and dedication he went on to win several US National gold medals for his age group, often competing against former US and International Olympians. Track and Field became so integral to his life that he eventually became the President of Rhode Island’s Senior Olympics.

In 2004, Dr. Garrahan was inducted into the CCRI Hall of fame for his 18 years of support of the college’s athletic program. He was one of their biggest supporters and being a friend of all CCRI student-athletes and staff was a role he cherished. He received an Amby Smith Award in recognition for all that he had done to support sports in the state of RI. In 2005, William F. Garrahan was inducted into LaSalle Academy’s Hall of Fame, an honor given to graduates who have a long association and outstanding record of service, lived in accordance with the teachings of a Lasallian education, and who have brought honor upon La Salle through their accomplishments.  True to character, the message he delivered in his acceptance speech was quite simple--His achievements in life were directly related to the help he received from everyone along the way. In life, Bill demonstrated those qualities of grace and gratitude with everyone he knew, and those of us who knew him, were profoundly blessed to have done so. Bill Garrahan was a great guy and a great father. We will miss him.

William was the devoted father of 5 children, Thomas, Pawler, Jennifer (Ron Ferro), Kristin and Gretchen Garrahan. He was  grandfather to Garrett (Jackie) and Hunter McIntyre, and Rachel, Selena and Taylor Garrahan and great- grandfather to Margot McIntrye. He is also survived by his sister Geraldine Crowley, and predeceased by his sister Dorothy Shunney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 8th, at 11:00 at St Mary’s Star of the Sea in Narragansett, RI. for both William and Geraldine Garrahan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Brothers/ Ocean Tides, 635 Ocean Rd Narragansett RI 02882.