Obituary of Dr. John A. Garnish

Dr. John A. Garnish Dr. John A. Garnish passed away peacefully at his home in Pittsford, NY on Monday, October 27, 2014. His wife of 55 years, Jackie, who survives him, was at his side. Dr. Garnish was a lifelong resident of the Rochester area. He practiced general ophthalmology and eye surgery for over 40 years, and was a founder of the "Rochester Eye Institute", one of the country's first outpatient eye surgery centers. A graduate of the University of Rochester, class of 1951, Dr. Garnish was a gifted athlete earning letters in football, basketball and baseball. He was also an active member of the university's Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. After graduation from the U of R, Dr. Garnish served as a pilot in the United States Air Force earning the rank of second lieutenant and flying the B-26 Marauder fighter/bomber. He proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict from 1953-1954, and later in the Strategic Air Command from 1954-1955. Dr. Garnish held several positions in the Monroe County Medical Society. He was a member of Oak Hill Country Club. He was also an active and devoted alumna of the University of Rochester, co-chairing the "Spike Garnish Memorial Fund", an athletic scholarship endowment created by the university to honor his father, Lysle "Spike" Garnish, who served the university with distinction for many years. But above all, Dr. Garnish was a loving, kind and compassionate husband, father and friend. In his spare time, Dr. Garnish enjoyed skiing, golf, tennis and sailing with family and friends. In addition to his wife, Dr. Garnish is survived by four children: Glenn Garnish of Pittsford, NY; Cynthia L. (John) Bersani of Weston, Massachusetts; Michele (Steve) Schuller of Rochester, NY; and Jennifer (Chuck) Hall of Victor, NY; ten grandchildren: Joshua and Jeremy Garnish; Kristin, Jack and Alix Bersani; Nicole and Samuel Schuller; and Paxton, Kameron and Hayden Hall. Calling hours will be held on Monday evening, November 3, 2014 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Lucey-VanVoorhis Funeral Home, 301 West Main Street, Victor NY. A private memorial service will be held later in November. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Dr. Garnish's honor to: "Spike Garnish Memorial Fund", c/o Terry Gurnett, Georgen Athletic Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627.