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Thomas Anthony McGarry
06/04/1940 — 07/31/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Evanston, IL
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Thomas Anthony McGarry
Thomas Anthony McGarry Sr. passed away July 31, 2025, in Richland, Washington.
Tom was born in Evanston, Illinois to the late Dr. John McGarry and Rachel McGarry Miller. He spent part of his youth in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho prior to a move to Waterloo, Iowa where he graduated from West High School. There he excelled academically and also as an athlete, particularly at baseball and golf. He attended the University of Notre Dame for several years before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he majored in Business and Math. Upon graduation from the University of Iowa, entered Air Force Officers Training and served our country in various US as well as international locations. Several years into his Air Force career, Tom also earned a master’s degree in economics. Tom was a skilled negotiator and used his economic and business acumen to negotiate numerous contracts for the Air Force as well as for the Battelle Company after his distinguished 27-year military career where he achieved the rank of Colonel.
While in the early stages of his Air Force career, Tom met a “southern belle”, Margaret (Peggy) Williams, fell madly in love and they were married in Gastonia, North Carolina in February 1966. Together, while traveling the globe as Tom served his country in the Air Force, they were blessed with five children. His commitment to his country was second only to his commitment to his deep Catholic faith and his family. He was a devout Roman Catholic, 4th degree Knight of Columbus and served the church of Christ the King Parish in Richland, Washington.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret Williams McGarry (Peggy) of the home; five children, Philip G. McGarry (Jennifer) of Pinellas Park, FL, Susan K. McGarry Hand (John) of Kennewick, WA, Rachel E. McGarry Fulton (Michael) of Daytona Beach, FL, Thomas A. McGarry Jr. (Wendy) of Rocklin, CA and Giles M. McGarry of Richland, WA; and nine grandchildren, Holly, Destiny, Dustin, Angela, Christian, Megan, Kayden, Mia, and Grant.
Tom is survived by four siblings: Ann McGarry Berendes (Paul), John McGarry (Kathy), Robert Miller IV (Robin) and Michael Miller (Frances).
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August, 16, 2025, at Christ The King, Richland, WA, conducted by Rev. Van Nguyen and Msgr. Thomas Champoux. Private burial later at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held 4:00-5:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home.
I am so Very Sorry to hear of Toms
I was a Class Mate at West High School Waterloo,Iowa,My God Bless You All and Tom was a Very Good Man Always………
Oh my, I am so sorry. Tom was a great co-worker and neighbor. With his struggles the last few years, I hope you all find some solace knowing he is at peace now. My thoughts are with you.
Our sympathy to the McGarry-Miller family. Tom’s mother and my mother were lifelong friends. You all are my and my family’s thoughts.
Tom was a great friend and mentor and manager at Battelle. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience. He insisted that we take time to support family activities (including sports) and took a personal interest in all of my family. What a great example of a Christlike life spent in the service of others.
I worked with Tom in the contract department at Battelle. . it made me sad to see that he had passed away. He was so respected in his contracting skills which were handled with a high level of integrity. I enjoyed working with him and knowing him. Praying for peace for his family and friends,
So sorry Ann and all. Tom lived a long and successful life. I hope you all will celebrated his life as you send him home to his Lord and Savior. Prayers for you all as you endure this difficult time.
Thomas transported me to Cowwiche WA to live the Cursillo and begin my 4th day. Tom was very thoughtful and highly generous. Time spent with Thomas was always a blessing to both me and my family.
I worked closely with Tom for several years at Battelle. Tom was a fountain
of contracts knowledge based on his many years of experience in the Air Force.
However, Tom was such a humble guy he shared his knowledge willingly when asked and always helped improve the team
Tom will be missed
He was a special individual.
Tom and I worked together for several years while he was in the Contracts Department at Battelle / PNNL. He was always a kind and knowledgeable professional who earned the respect of his coworkers and colleagues. He will be missed by all who knew him here.
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Thomas Anthony McGarry