Walter J. McGarty, Jr.

Walter J. McGarty, Jr. of Narragansett passed away peacefully at home on March 12. He was the husband of Eileen (Campbell), father of Sean P. (Ret. PFD) and Tracy E. and grandfather to Shannon.

Walter served in the United States Army at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, from 1963-65 before joining the Providence Fire Department in 1965. He served on the department for 26 years before retiring in 1991. He spent the majority of his career in the Admiral Street Station on Engine 12 and Ladder 3.

Walter graduated from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. He was one of the founders of the Rhode Island Fire Fighters Emerald Society where he served as Vice President from 1984–87.

He enjoyed the outdoors, working with his hands and traveling with Eileen. He was a regular at Jerry’s Paint and Hardware to the point that some probably thought he worked there. He frequented car shows and also loved stopping in for “coffee talk” with the guys at Carr’s Marine & Truck Service. The oldest of seven, Walter enjoyed beach days and cookouts with family where he could be found swapping stories and sharing laughs.

Walter also leaves behind brothers Dennis (Ret. Bat. Chief PFD) (Judy), Timothy (Ret. Capt. CFD) (Ann Marie) and Patrick (Vesania), sisters Donna Bodington (Donald), Mary Jane Hodges and Melissa McQueeney. He was the son of the late Walter “Luke” and Mary McGarty. His extended family included many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at the Nardolillo Funeral Home, Boston Neck Road, Narragansett from 3-7 p.m., on March 18. A Mass of Christian burial will be March 19 at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Narragansett, and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Signal Fire Association/Providence Canteen at P.O. Box 25009, Providence, RI 02905.