Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of John Alfred Garvin, well known as “Johnny Ballgame”, announce his untimely
but peaceful passing on March 13, 2022. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Lorraine of 64 years, his son Rossley
David, daughters Laura Grace and Pamela Ann, son-in-law Robert Bentley, his 3 grandchildren William Garvin, John
Alexander, Alexina Grace, and his beloved fury companion Moxie.
A true Bostonian, John was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 15, 1934 to William and Lillian Garvin. He had three
beautiful sisters, Jean, Claire and Ruth. He grew up right down the street from Fenway Park and his cherished Red Sox. He
had fond memories of walking to the park as a young boy with his father to many a Red Sox game. At one game he even
received a cracked bat from Johnny Pesky! Little did he know then that in his later years, Fenway South would be in his
back yard, he’d become a Red Sox spring season ticket holder, and even throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox spring
training game!
At the age of 19, John voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.
To this day he still sent Morse code to his grandchildren to decipher. He was a true American patriot that remained
invested in our Country throughout his life. We thank you and are so proud of your service to our Country.
His life forever changed on October 25, 1958, when he married the love of his life, Lorraine Dupre, in Lewiston, Maine.
Their son Ross was born in 1960. In 1962 he moved his family to Naples, Florida and founded Tri-City Pool Service & Supply
Co., Inc. His daughters, who he referred to, “the apples of my eye” arrived in 1968 (Laura) and 1971 (Pam). In 1971, John
moved the family to Ft. Myers, Florida where he opened a second location for Tri-City Pool Service & Supply Co., Inc. John
loved to go sailing with his family, photography, volunteering at the animal shelter, even had a motorcycle or two. In 1974
John and Lorraine found themselves on a paid-for-vacation in Brevard, North Carolina. He fell in love with the small town,
mountains and fresh water lakes. They purchased a piece of land at first and later, a home. The Garvins’ spent their
summers and Christmases in this majestic town, riding in their jeep spotting wildlife, kayaking, hiking, picnicking,
swimming in the lakes, and frequenting art & music festivals. Of course, John, traveled back and forth to keep the business
growing. John was diligently learning everything there was about swimming pools, water chemistry, and public safety. He
served on many industry committees when it came to the pool business, even on the state level, he was a lobbyist, as well
as President of the local chapter of the National Spa & Pool Institute. His CPC (certified pool contractor) license was the
first issued by the State of Florida in Lee County. Lorraine (wife) worked alongside with John to expand Tri-City Pool Service
& Supply Co., Inc from Marco Island to Sarasota. Daughter Laura, joined her parents thriving business in 1986 and became
a certified pool contractor in her own right, working along beside them both. While Pamela went onto the University of
Florida, Go Gators, to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
In the late 90’s and early 2000’s John welcomed two new “sons”, Robert Bentley and Peter Garrigus (deceased), into the
family when his daughters were married. Like everyone else, they fell in love with John, this gentle man, they now called
“dad”. While Pete cooked John’s favorite whole bellied fried clams and helped keep John’s antique car finely tuned, Rob
shared his love of baseball and the Florida Gators. Rob affectionately gave John the nickname of “Johnny Ballgame”.
Pamela and Rob also gave John 3 beautiful grandchildren, which he whole heartedly referred to as his most treasured
kids. They called him Papere. John frequently visited them in Alpharetta, GA to encourage and support all of them in their
activities, schooling, and life in general. John and Lorraine were able to share a few summer trips to Maine with the
Bentleys, along with frequent Disney vacations.
After selling his Company of 50+ years, John happily began his well-earned retirement. A man of deep faith, John, spent
his mornings reading the gospel and listening to Bishop Barrons’ homily on Sundays. He and Lorraine are members of St.
John XXIII parish in Ft Myers as well as Sacred Heart Catholic Church in N.C. He also enjoyed being a member of the weekly
men’s gospel group. John and Lorraine spent half of the year in the mountains of North Carolina. He loved being one with
nature. Feeding the deer and native white squirrels right from his porch, continuing to enjoy the laid back culture that is
Brevard. All the family took time out to share quality time with John and Lorraine in their mountain home. So many
amazing memories were made there with all family members, especially his time with the grandkids. The rest of the year,
back in Ft. Myers, he enjoyed fellowship with his wonderful friends and neighbors, dining out, Sanibel Island, keeping up
with worldly news, still taking photos every chance he got, spoiling Moxie, eating donuts, roaming Lowes and Home Depot,
and spending hours upon hours at Fenway South for Red Sox spring training.
John’s family would like to extend their heart felt gratitude to all the friends, family, and caregivers who came to visit John
and who reached out with love and support during his final days. Although our hearts are broken and tears are plentiful,
we know he is at peace with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Family, friends, and business associates are invited to join us at John’s funeral on Friday, April 1st at noon at St. Johns XXIII
Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Ft. Myers, FL 33912. Please join us for a luncheon in the Parish Life Center to
celebrate John’s life, immediately following the funeral. The family will join the celebration after the interment of John’s
ashes.
Family and friends may sign a guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.
Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society is honored to serve the Garvin family.
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