Patrick Xavier Garvin's Obituary
Patrick Xavier Garvin lived a life full of stories, laughter and heart. Born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Emily and Russell Wilson Garvin, Pat as most knew him was the eldest of four siblings. As a proud military kid, he grew up all over the world, from Germany to the Philippines. Pat served his country with extraordinary bravery. He served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1968 with the 173rd Airborne Brigade earning three Purple Hearts, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), and multiple other service awards. After serving his country with honor, Pat came home.
Pat was a natural athlete, spending his younger years playing every sport he could. He later went on to play football and baseball at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and was on the cusp of a professional baseball career before an elbow injury set him on a different path.
After his injury, Pat attended Berkeley University in San Francisco, California, where he met his lifelong friends, Mike Brown and Ted Langan.
In 1977, Pat married Vivian Aurora Vasquez. They welcomed their first daughter, Katie, in 1979, and welcomed their second daughter, Emily, in 1982. Pat would always say that becoming a father was his proudest moments as his daughters were the lights of his life. He passed down his love of the outdoors whether it was camping, duck hunting, or a few lively and occasionally frustrating rounds of golf. After Vivian’s death in 2007, Pat was devoted to his daughters.
After several years of being alone, Pat found love again with Susan Dusang Lemmon. They travelled extensively making new memories together.
Pat worked in the financial industry as a Financial Advisor for over 30 years, many of those years for A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. In 2019, he retired from the Benjamin F. Edwards’ office in Mandeville, Louisiana. Pat worked with many colleagues throughout the years and developed a special friendship with Al Catalanotto and Hamilton Martin.
Pat faced health challenges in his later years including a stroke in 2020, with the same strength, humor and stubborn determination he carried throughout his life.
He passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Susan, and daughters, Katie and Emily, stepson, Jimmy Lamz (Nicole), three step-grandchildren, Maegan, Caleb and Ella, along with two sisters, Regina Carter and Georgia Garvin, and many other family members and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Emily Sophie Lesofsky Garvin and Russell Wilson Garvin; brother, James Garvin. We take comfort in knowing somewhere beyond this life, Pat and James are together again — two brothers reunited, swapping stories and sharing laughter once more.
Pat’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Peristyle at Beau West for their love and support over the past two years with a special thank you to Avery and Clayree.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund www.vvmf.org .
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial services at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington LA 70433 on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM with visitation on Wednesday beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in the Southeast LA Veterans Cemetery.
The Garvin family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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