Michael "Mickey" R. Garrity

Michael was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He passed away peacefully in Vallejo, due to a long illness. Mike was the son of Gordon Michael (Bud) Garrity and Mabel Winifred (Benson) Garrity. At the age of 5 years old his family and he moved to Vallejo along with his 2 year old sister Kathleen. His mother and father thus began a new long chapter of his life. Mike attended Steffan Manor Elementary School, Hogan Junior High, and Vallejo High School where he became a very proud Apache, class of 1960. He then attended Vallejo Junior College where he was a member Phi Beta Tau Fraternity. Upon graduation Mike entered the working world. On February 4, 1963 he went to work at Union Oil Refinery in Rodeo. Mike quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming an Operations Supervisor, a position he held for almost 20 years. He retired on April 1, 1998 after 35 years. He made many friends during his years at Union Oil. He was kept active by these friends with retirement parties, lunches, gatherings, and Union Oil functions. After retiring Mike made a big move to live in Benicia where he remained until his illness. Retirement was not to last very long. Boredom set in. He was contacted by two Union Engineers who had started an Environmental Clean-Up Company. Mike was back at work for another five years. During his working years Mike became an avid traveler, with his friends, to Mexico. Almost yearly he would trek to many parts of Mexico. After retirement Mike and his friends expanded their trips to include Europe and the British Isles. On his travels Mike collected many historical items and memorabilia. He had a keen interest in history and and extensive library to match. Mike served his country proudly as a member of the Army National Guard Unit in Benicia. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Benicia Veterans Hall Association, and a lifelong active member of Vallejo Elks 559. Throughout his life Mike made many cherished friends. Friends and family were very important to him. He will be truly missed. Mike was predeceased by his father, Bud, mother Mabel, beloved aunt Eleanor Garrity, his sister Kathleen Garrity Carll, and niece Kelly Carll. He is survived by brother-in-law Wade Carll and nieces Molly Carll Birchett, her children Riley and Avery Berchett, and niece Erin Carll Daily and her children, Will and Katherine Daily. The family would like to thank Excel Care Home in Vallejo and Kaiser Hospice for the excellent compassion and care they provided. Also Mike’s devoted friends Terry Connolly, Steve Clark, and Fred Kerstad. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org, or National MS Society www.nationalmssociety.org, or charities of your choice. Burial will be private. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Veterans Hall in Benicia. 1150 First Street, on Tuesday April 30, at 2:30 P.M.

Michael "Mickey" R. Garrity

April 27, 1942 - April 12, 2024