George H. Garrett, 84, of Haverhill, passed away Wednesday night, Sept. 6, with his family by his side, at Penacook Place.
Garrett was born in Medford, July 15, 1933, son of the late William and Jane (Groves) Garrett. He graduated from Somerville High School with the class of 1951 prior to enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he received a certificate in culinary arts from Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute in 1967.
He was employed as a cook at the former Hale Hospital and retired as the first head cook in 1988.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruth E. (Clark) Garret. He was a loving and cherished father to five children–a son, Charles Joseph Garrett of Richton, Miss.(deceased), and four daughters, Dorothy Duckworth, of Bay Spring Miss., Sheryl Ann Henderson, of Richton Miss., Lynda E. Garrett of Haverhill and Judith Garrett-Desiderio and her husband John Desiderio Jr. of Haverhill. He was the brother of Charles Garrett of Shawnee, Kan., James Garrett of Silver springs, Md.(deceased), and Richard Garrett of Streetsboro, Ohio. He was a grandfather to 10 grandchildren, great-grandfather to 10 and a great-great-grandfather to one. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.
He was a gifted and accomplished singer from an early age, participating in 18 of 19 “Hale Hospital Follies.” Fundraisers/variety shows that gave ALL hospital staff an even playing field. Surgeons to janitors, to cooks, all sang, danced in choreographed sequences and comedy skits. His rich baritone would fill the auditorium each year, bring tears to the eyes of his audience and never left the stage without receiving thunderous applause and standing ovations.
Garrett’s gift of music was shared generously at family gatherings, campground sing-alongs where his booming voice would echo of the mountains and garnered listeners, strangers who would line a campground roads with lawn chairs just so they could hear him clearly. He joyously sang many a couple into marriage, and reverently sang for some as they were laid to rest.
His funeral service begin at at H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill, Monday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11, at All Saints Church, Haverhill. Burial follows in Atkinson Cemetery, Atkinson N.H. Contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.