Benjamin Louis McGarry

September 2, 1947 - August 29, 2017

Benjamin L. McGarry, 69 of Cape Coral Florida passed away surrounded by his family Tuesday August 29th 2017. Born September 2nd, 1947 in Dennison Ohio, a son of Ben L. and Betty J. (Malterer) McGarry of Tuscarawas, Ohio. Ben, as he was known by his family and friends, was a graduate of Tuscarawas Warwick High School, Kent State University, and the University of Akron. He was extremely proud of his service to his country and a member of the American Legion.

He enjoyed a meteoric rise throughout his professional career. Upon completing his term in the United States Air Force in Okinawa Japan, he returned to Uhrichsville, Ohio. He worked full time while also attending college full time. In 1979, he completed his engineering degree and received a promotion and moved to Mickleton, New Jersey. Upon returning to Ohio and living in Wadsworth, he continued receiving promotions and over the next decade, the plant maintenance man had become Vice President of Alside in Akron, Ohio. He was one of the early developers of vinyl siding and held many of the patents on it. He retired from Alside in 2001 and moved from Bath Twp., Ohio to Cape Coral, Florida. He later returned to the workforce serving on several executive boards as chairman and director for companies of Mitsubishi Corporation and worked continuously until his death. He greatly enjoyed the successes of coworkers whom he mentored as they achieved their professional goals.

He had diverse leisure activities throughout his life. As a youth and adolescent, he excelled at baseball. He then took up golf and even learned to fly planes. He made his first solo flight in 1982. He eventually moved on to Harley Davidson motorcycles and boating. He and Sas enjoyed rumbling down the road on one of his motorcycles. He had boats of all different sizes but his favorite was his current boat, aptly named “Bad Habit.” He loved to go a few mph over what a sane person would deem ludicrous.

His biggest joy came as a grandfather. All five of his grandchildren melted his heart with their smiles. Basic rules that governed the house the previous 30 years were simply thrown out when the grandkids arrived. As long as they said please and thank you, and practiced the “golden rule,” nothing else mattered. He found such joy in even their smallest accomplishments. Basketball, cheerleading, pee wee football, softball or volleyball was treated like the super bowl.

Ben is survived by his wife of 50 years Theoda (Sassy), sons Ben and wife Amy of Cape Coral, FL and Brent and wife Jessica of Lodi, OH. He is also survived by grandchildren Kristin and Rachel of Cape Coral, Nick and Elizabeth of Tallmadge, and Jenna of Lodi. Also surviving is his sister Janeal Potts of Dallas. Ben is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, and his son Brian.

An informal memorial service will begin at the Galaxy Restaurant on Sept 10th at noon. A celebration of Ben’s life and brunch will continue at the Galaxy until 3pm.

The Galaxy Restaurant: 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, Ohio.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

No formal services will be held in FL.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

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