Garrett was a special person and an amazing friend to me. We grew up together a few blocks from each other, and I have fond memories of our time together. Garrett was like an older brother to me, and he took me under his wing when my family moved from Irondequoit to Greece. Soon, I had a paper route, bike, and an interest in sports cards — because, Garrett was interested in those things, and his energy was infectious. Together, we roamed the neighborhood looking for pickup football, baseball, or basketball games. He was gregarious and a bit mischievous — always finding ways to connect to every neighbor on the street, and well-liked by every classmate at school. After grammar school, Garrett went to McQuaid, and I slowly started to lose touch with him. He was a dedicated employee of Schaller’s, and I used to go in as often as I could to see him and catch up. At one point, though, I had not seen him in a year or so, and there was a really big neighborhood 2-on-2 basketball tourney that Michael Alo hosted. Michael created all the team pairings, and said that I would be playing with Garrett. I reached out to Garrett to try to practice, but he was very busy, and he said that he would see me the day of the game. I told him that the tournament was important to me, and that I really hoped he’d take the whole thing seriously. I’ll never forget Garrett pulling up the day of the game. He sped down Creighton Lane in his black pickup truck — he was about five minutes late, and I was worried we would have to forfeit. The instant he emerged from the truck, with a cut-off t-shirt and bandana on, I knew we’d win the tournament. He was in the shape of his life — he explained that he had joined McQuaid’s cross country team, and he was working out regularly. Needless to say, the teams were now completely unfair — Garrett was stronger, faster, and more determined than anyone in the tournament. He even screamed at me for not diving for a loose ball, and, all I could do was smile and hug him! I mean, it was magical how locked in he was. We swept through the competition, and collected a nice payout. I didn’t see much of Garrett after that — a few times at Perkins to catch-up, a few times at Schaller’s, he hosted me at LeMoyne once, and I had a really special sit-down meal with him, Charlene, and Candace (where Candace passed out Care Bear cups, and gave me the coveted “friendly” Care Bear glass). It’s very painful for me to think back about Garrett, and the fact that he’s no longer around. In life, it’s a gift to get a huge surprise — something you never saw coming that brings a smile to your face. And, I always can think back to that day where Garrett showed up at Michael Alo’s and gave me one of the most pleasant surprises of my life — at that moment, I was so proud of him — I was proud for how in-shape he was, I was proud how he took our friendship so seriously that he wanted to do well for us both, and, quite frankly, I had missed him up and to that point, and I was just happy to see him and have a laugh with him. And, so, I miss him today, but I still have wonderful memories that he gave me. So, thank you, my friend. And, thank you to Charlene and Candace for being so kind to me over the years. With love, Tim Gibbons

My wife Erica and I were so sad to hear of Garrett’s passing. We met Garrett as customers of Greater Rochester Roofing. We chose Garrett out of many….. because once you meet him…. you know Garrett is someone genuine…. who you could trust. We gladly asked him back for additional work a few times. Most recently in April 2018 he did work that helped us sell our home. That was a big life event for us….. and another example of how many ways that Garrett touched so many lives. To Garrett’s family and close friends….. we are so sorry for your loss. – Bob & Erica Gnam

Vaya con Dios, Brah.

Garrett touched the lives of so many. There was no one more loving and generous than Garrett. His kindness and loyalty were unparalleled.

GG (a nickname we gave him in college) brought so much joy and laughter to everyone around him. He was literally the life of the party. Garrett was the best story teller. The antics he got himself into would have everyone in hysterics! He was truly larger than life. He worked hard and played hard and loved to do everything in excess.

Garrett loved deeply. Once he took you under his wing, you had a friend for life. He would always put everyone else first. He wanted everyone in his presence to feel joy and love and we certainly did.

I know I speak for many others when I say that I am heartbroken over this devastating loss. We are all incredibly blessed to have had Garrett in our lives. He will always hold a special place in my heart and he will be forever loved and missed.

We are so sorry for your lost. Garrett was a truly kind person. He was a one of a kind. We will miss him.

I am so sorry to hear of Garrett’s passing. We attended Mother of Sorrows together from Kindergarten through 8th grade…Garrett was one of the funniest kids at M.O.S….he will be missed!!

Word can not Express how much we will miss Garrett!!!.we will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!!!