Alpha Garth
January 01, 1937 - July 06, 2017
Obituary
Alpha Matthew Garth September 30, 1937-July 6, 2017 Alpha “Al” Garth peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 6, 2017. He was 79. Mr. Garth was born on September 30, 1937 in Passaic, NJ. He graduated from Pope Pius High School in Passaic and William Paterson College with bachelors and masters degrees in education. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. Mr. Garth has resided in Bloomfield, NJ for the past 48 years. Before retiring in 1998, Mr. Garth was a dedicated teacher at Brookdale Elementary School in Bloomfield, where he educated and positively influenced the lives of hundreds of children. Affectionately known as “Big Al” to his family, Mr. Garth was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. An avid reader and history buff, Mr. Garth was particularly knowledgeable about the U.S. presidents and the Civil War. Mr. Garth was a lover of music; he enjoyed listening to music, playing trumpet and harmonica and sang in the church choir at St. Thomas Church in Bloomfield for many years. A lifelong sports fan, he enjoyed watching all professional sports. Al was a friendly and kind man who leaves cherished memories with all who knew him. Mr. Garth is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Carol Ann (Carr) and his five children Allen and his wife Geovana; Janet and her husband Dean Heagle; Andrew and his wife Michele; Jean and her husband Eric Rothrock; and Joyce and her husband Kieran Husk; and his ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Robert Garth and sister Anita Garth McGuire. Mr. Garth is predeceased by his parents, Alpha and Ruth Garth, and his sisters Joan Garth Delcalzo and Barbara Garth Coppola. Friends and family are welcome to visit from 3-7pm on Sunday, July 9th at Halpin-Bitecola Funeral Home, 1284 Broad St. Bloomfield. A Catholic mass will be held at 10am on Monday, July 10th at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Ave. in Bloomfield. Other NJ Visitation Sunday, July 9th, 2017 03:00 pm - 07:00 pm Halpin - Bitecola Brookdale Funeral Home 1284 Broad St, Bloomfield NJ 07003 Mass Monday, July 10th, 2017 10:00 am - 10:45 am Saint Thomas the Apostle Church 60 Byrd Ave, Bloomfield NJ 07003
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Chris Tripucka
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My condolences to the entire Garth family. What a great person and an amazing teacher who I will never forget. RIP Mr Garth, we will never forget you sir.
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Lynne McAllister (Delcalzo)
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I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Al's passing. My sincere condolences to Aunt Carol and the family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May you be comforted by each other and the love surrounding you during this time. Lynne McAllister (Delcalzo)
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Stephen Mitchell De Mallie
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When I started 5th Grade at Brookdale it was Mr. Garth's 1st year at Brookdale. I believe he had just gotten out of the Marines then and was quite a disaplenarian.(SP).All the kids were afraid of him but respected him highly. He was a great teacher to all of his students. The one thing I do remember was that the kids learned a great education under him.<br>My oldest son went to Brookdale until the end Nov 1995 when I got transferred to Phoenix, AZ. I got to talk to Al a few times before we left.<br>What a pleasure it was to of known such a great human being. He will truly be missed as he touched so many lives and provided a wonderful foundation for so many kids.My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.<br>Mitch De Mallie (Charlotte, NC).<br>
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Lori
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I am so sorry. He was my favorite teacher at Brookdale school.
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Eileen Little
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My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Joyce. My prayers are with you.
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Patricia Ingianni- D'Avanzo
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My condolences to the Garth Family. I had the privilege of working with Al at Brookdale School for five years. He was truly a professional and a gentleman. He will be truly missed.