John ‘Gobbie’ Garbera, 72;
Richfield Springs Mayor,
Remington Employee
RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Former Village Mayor John ‘Gobbie’ Garbera II, 72, of Johnson Street, passed away Friday evening, Feb. 1, 2019, in his home, with the comfort of his loving family by his side.
He was born on Aug. 15, 1946, in Little Falls, a son of the late John and Ann Spytko Garbera. A lifelong resident of Richfield Springs, he was educated at RSCS.
In April 2007, he married the love of his life, Xin Jian, and they shared a devoted union for 12 years, until his passing. She is a true “Angel” and devoted caregiver.
He started his working career with Interstate Window when they were hiring, and held many jobs including helping build the Titan mobile homes building locally. He worked at the Herkimer Tool & Machining Corp. in Herkimer. In 1975, he was hired by Remington Arms, where he was a machine operator and electrician. After 32 years of service, he retired in 2007.
For 19 years, he served as village trustee, then serving 3 1/2 years as mayor.
Gobbie was a member of the Richfield Lions Club for more than 25 years and a current member of SAL Post 616 of Richfield Springs.
He also had a passion for cars, many nice ones with the “Cuda” being the most memorable.
He had many friends. He enjoyed being involved, loved to laugh, loved to sit and share stories. He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa and uncle. For all of us, he will be deeply and truly missed
Surviving besides his wife, Xin Jian, is his daughter, Colleen Auger and her companion, Adam Mitchell; stepdaughter Wei (Sandy) Huang of Richfield Springs; brother Dan and wife Suzanne Garbera of Richfield Springs; two grandchildren, Allison and Ryan Auger of Richfield Springs; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Calling hours will be 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8 at the J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 W. James St., Richfield Springs. A funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Alan Miller officiating. His interment will take place this spring in Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) or the Richfield Springs Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Arrangements are entrusted to the J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home.