Obituary of Herbert Garrett

January 11, 1949 – March 28, 2025
Sunrise: Herbert Garrett was born in Sanford, Florida to Henry Reynold and Annie Mae (Davis) Garrett on January 11, 1949.

Sunset: Herbert passed away with family at his side on March 28, 2025 at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse, New York.

Herbert was a graduate of Williamson Central High School, Williamson, New York. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, majoring in Business Administration, and was also a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. He was a top salesman at Sunoco Corporation for many years and later worked with young adults at a group home in Cortland, New York.

Herbert was a very sociable person who never met a stranger, always having a kind word to say about others. You could say that he was also a “philosopher” since he gave theories on what he called “profound questions.” He was interested in understanding the “why of life.” Often in conversation he would speak of Latin words such as “ad infinitum” or “amor patriae” and give the definition of the words.

As a child and young adult, Herbert attended New Mt. Zion Missionary Church in Sanford Florida and Little Bethel Church in Williamson, New York. He was a student of the Bible studying scripture to get an understanding of its meaning. He would often quote scripture during conversation placing his trust and faith in the Heavenly Father.

Herbert enjoyed sports and in his youth was an avid sportsman. Basketball was a favorite game, and he enjoyed mentoring and pick-up basketball games with youth at the YMCA in Cortland, New York. He was also a great chess player having won a chess championship while in college. In addition, Herb was an avid fisherman in his younger days and often enjoyed family fishing trips with his wife and kids.

He leaves to mourn his memory a loving wife, Mary Garrett, and three children: Scott Garrett, Daniel Garrett (Tricia), Amy Degannes (Hugh) Grandchildren: Gabriella Garrett, Alexandra Garrett, Danielle Garrett, Garrett Clarke, Rhys Degannes, Scott Garrett, Sheree Garrett, and one great grandchild: Cameron Garrett. Brother Henry R. Garrett (deceased) Four sisters: Dr. Theresa M. Ross, Ph.D. (Deacon Dr. Richard H. Ross, Ph.D.) Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thelma Apicella (Robert) Oneonta New York, Barbara Garrett, Schenectady, New York, Linda Diane Burgess, Rochester, New York, Janice Williams (John), Jekyll Island Georgia, and Judy Bauer Delhi, New York. Nephews: Christopher Garrett (Kim), Jonathon Stevenson (Mona), Carl Stevenson, (Shamane) Derrick Burgess, Christopher Burgess, Anthony Apicella, Toby Williams, and nieces, Eileen Apicella Gwendolyn Hopson, Margaret Maxwell, and Susie Little (Tom).
In addition to family, he leaves behind a host of cousins, family and friends in Sanford, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina.

We have lost a wonderful person and will miss his physical presence, but memories of him will not be forgotten and forever cherished.