Francis D Garber

Francis (Franny) Douglas Garber, 88 years young, of Belmont, Massachusetts died at home on March 19, 2023. Born on February 11, 1935 in Liverpool, Nova Scotia to Francis E. and Edith (Conrad) Garber. Loving and proud father of Roy Garber and his fiancee Denice Cartwright of Belmont and Rene' Greene and her husband Bob of Sudbury. Cherished grandfather of Shelby and Bobby Greene, Jr. and Rachel Garber.  Beloved brother of Jim Garber and his late wife Barbara of Belmont, John Garber and his late wife Marie of New Bern, North Carolina, and Hope Maguire of Belmont. Hilarious uncle to many nieces and grand-nieces. Lifelong friend to Kaye Gordon and Joan Garber. Trusted companion to his beloved dogs, Vinny and Gordy. He was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958, serving in Okinawa, Japan. He would go on to become a police officer in St. Petersburg, FL for another three years. After both his military and police service, he returned to Belmont where he spent the majority of his years living and working alongside family, owning three different gas and automotive service stations.

Franny was a bit of a legend around town. His many years working as an auto mechanic made him well known by many townspeople in Belmont, but it was his one-of-a-kind personality that made him so well liked. Franny was the perfect combination of nice guy meets mischief-maker that made people want to be around him and made the ladies swoon. He was a strong man that could fix anything, no machine too complicated. Later, in his 70's, Franny decided to work for his friend Ralph Leofanti as a landscaper until his mid 80's. Always remaining capable of hauling heavy barrels overhead with a single arm. In perfect balance to his strong side, there was a warm, soft side. Franny spent many days going for walks with his grandson, Bobby Jr., gardening in his yard and stopping by the local animal shelter to leave a weekly donation. He was the kind of man who bought his birdseed in bulk. A true animal lover. Franny was a great friend, often visiting with people who needed a little of his help, companionship, or a daily ride to Linda's Donuts. He had a knack for telling jokes, his collection seemingly endless. He smelled of motor oil and cigarettes in the best possible way, and he loved his family and his country with his whole heart. Franny's great presence and endearing personality will be deeply missed. His family would like to thank Franny's caregivers, Doreen, Flower, Mabel, Anne and Enock for their loving care and support. Visiting hours in the Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, 36 Trapelo Road, Belmont on Thursday March 30th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.  A Celebration of Life will take place in Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, on Friday March 31st at 12:00 PM. Interment with military honors in Belmont Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. Donations may be made in Franny's memory to Buddy Dog Humane Society, www.buddydoghs.org.

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