Don Garvey, 82 of Wethersfield, beloved husband of
Annette Jalbert Garvey, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on
Sunday, August 24 of natural causes. He was born in Hartford on September 26,
1931 to Patrick and Minnie (Strauss) Garvey. He attended school in Hartford and proudly graduated last in his class (by very calculated design) in 1949. He was known as the most argumentative member of his class, which would later serve him well. He was well respected by classmates for his keen intellect. His class grind was “Garv….a happy-go-lucky individual made up of jokes, friskiness, and a great big smile….never had to look for trouble…..usually was in the middle of it.” He went on to graduate from Central Connecticut State College, and later from UCONN Law School and Trinity College for his Masters Degree. He was always very active in the community and a tireless public servant. He served on the Board of Ed in Hartford, the town council in Wethersfield, as assistant town attorney in Wethersfield, and later as a volunteer for Tax Counselor for the Elderly (TCE). As a young man he was extremely active with the Young Democrats where he met his wife, Annette Jalbert. They were married in August of 1959 and went on to have 4 children. Early in their marriage, Don worked days as a claims adjustor while putting himself through law school. He went on to work in Hartford as a prosecutor and a Public Defender at Circuit Court and became known as “Nollie Garvey”. He eventually started his own private law practice. He also was a Professor at MCC (MCTC) educating many future police officers in the Law Enforcement and Public Service program and was a member of the Connecticut
Association of Police. He loved to embarrass his children by spontaneously breaking out into dance with his wife in public places to songs he loved. Later his children grew to appreciate his love of music, particularly big band, which he instilled in them. He loved his vast record collection and spent many an evening turning records. He also instilled in them a strong Catholic faith and a love of history. His children fondly remember trips to Misquamicut and Riverside Park with his childhood friend Gene Dessureau and family.

Besides his family, one of his most proud accomplishments was the Affordable
Housing Achievement Award given by the Capital Region Council of Governments for his instrumental efforts to provide affordable low income housing for
Wethersfield. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years Annette J. Garvey, his daughters Carol Garvey Hurley and husband Michael J. Hurley of Wethersfield, Laura Garvey Engel and husband Jim Engel, Erin Garvey and husband Dave Knapp both of Cornelius, North Carolina. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren - Michael, Bridget, Patrick and Brennan Hurley of Wethersfield, James, Tabitha, Nadine, Matthew and Jack Engel of Cornelius, NC and Hayden, Fiona and Zoe Garvey-Knapp of Cornelius, NC. He was preceded in death by a son, Donald Garvey in 1974 and 8 siblings, Dorothy Hayes, Sister Frances Marie Garvey CSJ (Agnes), Patricia G,Fugett, Katherine Zura, Marianne Garvey, The Rev. James Garvey, John Edward and Col. Joseph Garvey. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 29, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at The Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. All are asked to go directly to church. Interment will be in the family plot at Rose Hill Cemetery, 580 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Don’s family will receive relative and friends in the Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd, Thursday, August 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd. Wethersfield. For online expressions of sympathy or further information please visit www.farleysullivan.com. The family would like to thank the amazing staff of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Hartford for their care, comfort and support of Don and his family during his final days. Memorial contributions can be made to House Of Bread, 27 Chestnut Street, Hartford, CT 06120.