Edward Raymond McGarry

Edward Raymond “Ned” McGarry of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on July 26, 1933, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the fourth of five sons born to the late Frank and Mary (Kelly) McGarry.

Ned developed a strong work ethic at an early age, delivering newspapers as a boy. He milked cows before dawn through high school to help a friend whose family farm was failing. He put himself through college by cleaning administration buildings and driving coal trucks with his brother, Tommy. He graduated from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, in 1955 and moved to the Washington, DC area to begin his career as a teacher. There, he met his future wife, Lucille Talbot, who was employed at the same school in Silver Spring, MD.

Ned was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy after completing Officer Candidate School in 1956. He and Lucille were married the following year and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where Ned was stationed at Pearl Harbor as an explosive ordnance disposal diver. After concluding his active-duty service in 1961, he continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve, ultimately retiring in 1982 at the rank of Captain.

Ned’s business career began in 1962 when he was hired by the Royal Insurance Company (later Royal & Sun Alliance). He remained with the Royal for over 35 years with moves from Baltimore, MD to Louisville, KY, and finally to Charlotte, NC. He and Lucille developed close friendships in each city.

Ned was guided by his strong Catholic faith throughout his life. There was nothing more important to Ned than faith and family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His dedication was never more evident than when Lucille battled Alzheimer’s at the end of her life. Ned would sing to her, feed her, and comfort her. He was an inspiration and an example to all who witnessed his love for Lucille.

After Lucille’s death, Ned continued to live with purpose. He dedicated much of his time to charitable causes. He enjoyed golf and relished time spent on the course with his buddies and his sons. Ned joined a bible study, continuing to learn and grow while also developing a wonderful new group of friends. Ned loved to cook and bake and was known to deliver brownies, banana bread, and quiches to friends and neighbors.

Ned was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 66 years, Lucille Talbot McGarry, his parents, brothers Frank, Bob, and John, and an infant son. He is survived by his brother, Thomas, of Binghamton, NY, and his four children: Brian McGarry (Rhonda) of Bel Air, MD; Kevin McGarry (Tess) of Savannah, GA; Robert McGarry of Louisville, KY; and Elizabeth Donlon (Kevin) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amy (Tyler), Christine (Mike), Caroline, Matthew, Kyle, Brooke, and Carl, and four great-grandsons.

A memorial Mass to celebrate Ned’s life will be held on Friday, November 14, at 11 AM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. Visitation with the family begins at 10AM. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Roof Above (Men's Shelter of Charlotte), Alzheimer’s Association, or the Knights of Columbus Council #7343 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte.