Francis Garrity

Francis "Fran" Garrity, 61, of Chicago passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Amita St. Joseph's Hospital in Chicago.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, April 22 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Father David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, prior to services, at the funeral home. Family and friends attending will be kindly asked to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing. He will be buried in St. Columba Cemetery.

Fran was born December 9, 1959 in Ottawa to John and Nora (Corcoran) Garrity. He married Dorothy "Dottie" McGrath on January 22, 1994

Fran worked at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for nearly 30 years, where he was a leader, mentor, and friend to many. He is best described as hardworking, generous, and supportive, but above all he was a family man.

Fran dedicated his life to his wife and children, spending every free moment making memories with them. He loved being involved in the kids’ activities, on the many vacation adventures in sand and snow, and the wonderful trips with friends and family to Ireland and throughout Europe. Fran also enjoyed being a part of his friends’ and families’ lives – playing cards, watching and talking about sports, traveling and just having great conversations. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Lions and Detroit City Football Club. Fran believed every accomplishment, big or small, of his family, friends, and co-workers, was worthy of a celebration.  He would do anything for anyone without giving it a second thought and was generous to everyone he knew. But above all, Fran made sure to make every moment count and be the best father and husband to his family.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Dottie; two children, Sarah (Alex Chapman) and John Garrity; his siblings, Patti (late Kevin) Wagner of Austin, TX, Mary Lou O'Brien (late Michael) of Dixon, John “Bob” Garrity of Earlville, and his twin sister Colleen (Jim) Onorato of Crystal Lake; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother in infancy.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations go to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois at lssi.org or Lutheran Social Services of Illinois at 1001 E Touhy Ave, Suite 50, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Please note “in memory of Fran Garrity” when making the donation. Please consider helping Lutheran Social Service before sending flowers!