Timothy J. McGarry

Timothy James McGarry, 72, died October 28 in Vero Beach, Florida. For the past 12 years he served as Director of Planning and Development for the City of Vero Beach.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Tim grew up in Japan, where his father held posts at three Army bases. He graduated from the University of Maryland (B.S. International Relations), followed by four years serving as an Air Force Major at Grand Forks AFB. He continued his education at University of North Dakota and Georgia Tech, earning master’s degrees in public administration and city planning before dedicating his tireless work ethic to a 40-year career in public service.

He met his wife of 35 years, Susan, in Richmond, Virginia, where both worked for local governments. They moved to Florida in 1996 when Tim was named Director of Planning and later, Director of Growth Management for Monroe County (Florida Keys).

In 2006 Tim became Director of Planning and Development for Vero Beach. He was an important steward of the City’s future, drawing from his wide-ranging work experience, consensus-building skills and steady determination.

Throughout his career Tim’s high standards of fairness, the rule of law and product quality were the salient features that applied to all his endeavors. Strong work ethics and creativity were the moral fiber that helped lead Tim to highly imaginative yet practical solutions. His self-deprecating style and dry sense of humor were well-known. His proudest contributions were as author of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, technical advisor to the Vero Beach Cultural Arts Village and creator of special design standards for the Oceanside Overlay Zoning District.

Tim is survived by his wife; his mother Ellen McGarry and sister Joan Nakayama of Kaneohe, Hawaii; and brothers John McGarry of Laurel, Maryland and Bill McGarry of Seattle, Washington.

He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the American Planning Association’s Florida Chapter and the Georgia Tech Alumni Club.

Tim enjoyed playing golf and was a collector of military history books, a devoted strategy gamer and science fiction aficionado. Tim and Susan shared many interests including travel to scenic locations in the US, Central America and the Caribbean. Favorite trips included a trans-Atlantic cruise and a recent Rhine-Danube river cruise. Hawaii was a much-loved destination for its lush tropical beauty and memorable family visits.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, followed by a reception.

Donations in Tim’s honor may be made to the First Presbyterian Church – Building Fund, Visiting Nurse Association or charity of your choice.