Age 81, eldest son of James A and Mildred McGarry, passed away peacefully April 9, 2025, after a 2-year long illness. He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife of 42 years, Anne Donnelly McGarry; his siblings Anne, Molly, twin brother Donald, and brother-in-law Michael Kelly. He is survived by his sister Louise Armstrong, brother James A. McGarry, III (Eileen); daughter Candace McDermott (Dr. Kevin McDermott), and son Christian G. McGarry Esq. (Susan); grandchildren Taylor, Hannah (DPT) and Sean McDermott, and Ethan, Megan and Emily McGarry, and several beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
He grew up in Edgemoor Gardens, and after graduating from Salesianum school in 1961, Martin enlisted in the United States Navy, serving six years for our country. While serving, he was stationed on the destroyer U.S.S. Strong, and was engaged in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged with the rank Petty Officer 2nd Class, a combat sailor. He was a proud member of DelVets Post #1 for over 30 years, where he formed many life-long friendships.
After the Navy, Martin attended the University of DE, and dedicated many countless hours to continuing education for his profession. He worked as an insurance adjustor for complex claims for Crawford & Company, Zutz Insurance, and A. Duie Pyle, where he was recognized many times for his outstanding work. He was also Commissioner for Delaware Insurance Arbitration for two terms.
He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council for Holy Child Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington (serving as Grand Knight for almost three terms), where he and his family were parishioners for many years.
Martin enjoyed summers with his family at Indian Landing (Rehoboth, DE) for 33 years, where he spent innumerable hours crabbing, clamming, fishing and boating on the “Myrtle Ann”, and his subsequent Grady White where he mastered the art of enhanced fish tales.
As an avid outdoorsman, he particularly enjoyed big game and water-bird hunting across the United States, from Texas to Alaska with friends and his son Chris. Martin was a true lover of dogs, becoming a successful local breeder, showing dogs in competitions, and actively engaged as a competitor in field trials with his national-champion Labrador, Willie, who earned the rank of #1 Field Trial Retriever in the US. Later in life, his adventurous spirit drove him to become a sled-dog racing enthusiast in his late 70s, having several Siberian Huskies and a Samoyed – where neighbors may have been entertained watching him ride down Club Lane on a modified street sled with his dogs.
Above all else, Martin was most proud of his six grandchildren and considered them his ‘greatest accomplishment’, and enjoyed bragging about their many academic, athletic, and artistic accomplishments to anyone and everyone who would listen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your preferred Delaware Veterans’ fund or organization. We are very grateful and thankful for the care he received during his final days at Complete Care Brackenville.
Martin also believed deeply in paying it forward, often giving generously to strangers in need — we invite you to do the same in his honor. He also wanted to give special recognition to his daughter, Candy, for her care and attention, especially in these last few years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (301 N Bancroft Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19805) on Monday April 14, 2025 at 11:00 am where friends and family may call beginning at 9:30 am. Inurnment will take place privately.
To send condolences visit: mccreryandharra.com
