William J. Garrity, Sr.

William J. Garrity, Sr of Oakdale (formerly of South Fayette, Hollidaysburg and Bethel Park) passed away on December 9, 2021 surrounded by his wife and five children. Born in Pittsburgh on September 22, 1939 to the late Catherine and William Garrity, Bill is survived by his wife (affectionally known as Gert) of 62 years, Patricia (Cusick) Garrity and five children; Susan (Jack) Ardizzoni; Lynne (John) Smoker; William (Karen) Garrity, Jr.; Michael (Dawn) Garrity and Ryan (Pam) Garrity, 12 grandchildren; Katherine Garrity (Andrew Zelinsky), Connor Garrity, Liam (Erin) Garrity, Grace Smoker, Molly Garrity, Alana Garrity, Emma Ardizzoni, Quinn Garrity, Paige Garrity, Kiera Garrity, Kevin Garrity, Sadie Garrity and two step-grandchildren Jay (Amanda) Ardizzoni and Alyssa (Stephen) DeRoche . Bill is also survived by his sister, Kathleen (Garrity) Nagy and brother-in-law Walter (Shirl) Cusick, along with many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his in laws, the late Walter and Emma (Bradley) Cusick and brother- in- law, the late Gary Nagy.

Bill studied at Duquesne University where he was a proud member of the baseball team; although he never received a degree, he was a loyal Dukes fan throughout his lifetime.  After starting his work life at Eiben & Irr, Bill spent the remainder of his career in the sporting goods industry.  From his start at Oscar Robbins in Shadyside to ten years at Saf T Bak in Altoona, Bill completed his career at Dick’s Sporting Goods. As a Merchant in the Fishing and Hunting Lodge, Bill was a member of the team that moved Dick’s headquarters from Binghamton, NY to Pittsburgh and contributed to the company’s growth nationally until his retirement. In his time outside of work, Bill volunteered at his children’s schools, worked to support youth sports in his community and assisted in coaching various teams of which his sons were a part.  Those who knew Bill will remember his love of golf, fishing, all things Pittsburgh sports and any song by Frank Sinatra – but his greatest love and point of pride was his family.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 22^nd at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM where masks will be required.  Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, December 23^rd at St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church 320 McMurray Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 at 1:00 PM.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation at sportsmatter.org.