Robert Thomas McGarry

Robert Thomas McGarry, known to all as Bob, passed away on May 23, 2026, in Edina, Minnesota, at the age of 84, following complications from cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Bob was born on April 20, 1942, in New Jersey to John and Elizabeth McGarry. He was raised in Elizabeth and Scotch Plains, New Jersey, in a close family with his older brother, John, and younger sister, Marianne. Both of his parents came from large families, and Bob grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and the kind of family connections that would remain important to him throughout his life. As a young man, he attended Seton Hall Prep, worked during his school years, and helped care for his younger sister. Family, responsibility, and loyalty were part of who he was from the beginning. Bob followed his older brother to Villanova University, where he graduated in 1964. He was proud of his Villanova years, including his fraternity friendships and even his attempt to make the basketball team as a walk-on. He did not make the team, but that story, like so many Bob stories, was remembered with humor. In August 1964, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Donna. Together they began a life that followed Bob's career and built a family along the way. They lived in Washington, D.C., Chantilly, Virginia, Beverly Hills, Michigan, and eventually Edina, Minnesota. They raised three children: Bob Jr., Mark, and Megan. Donna's death in 2003 was a profound loss for Bob and his family. In October 2005, Bob married Elizabeth "Betty" Johnson, and their marriage brought new love, companionship, travel, and an extended family into his life. Bob's professional life was spent in and around the automotive industry, where he was known for his ability to work with people. He began in marketing with Ford Motor Company in the Lincoln-Mercury Division in 1964, starting in the Washington, D.C., district. His career later took him to the Detroit Region in 1973 and the Minneapolis Region in 1977. In 1981, Bob left Ford and started his own consulting business, RTM & Associates, where he worked with car dealerships for about 25 years, helping them market, sell, plan, and grow. He was also co-owner of ISG, a market research company, with his son Bob. As meaningful as his work was, Bob's greatest pride was always his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, and step-grandfather. Somewhere along the way, he became "Pop-Pop" for everyone, and his family never doubted how deeply they were loved. His grandchildren and step-grandchildren were his world, and he showed up for just about every event he could. Whether it was a game, performance, milestone, celebration, or ordinary family gathering, Bob wanted to be there. Bob had a joy for life that people felt immediately. He was social, warm, positive, and happy. Everyone was his friend, and if they were not yet his friend, they probably would be after a conversation. He was a talker, a picture-taker, and a man who could strike up a conversation with people he knew well or people he had just met. He loved taking pictures of his family and, often, for people he did not know. He liked to tell anyone who would listen that his middle initial, "T," stood for "Trouble." He brought shrimp dip to every holiday, and over the years those small traditions became part of what made family gatherings feel complete. Bob's Catholic faith was also an important part of his life. He was raised Catholic and regularly attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community in Minneapolis. His faith, his friendships, his volunteer spirit, and his deep love of people were woven throughout his later years. He valued family, being a parent and grandparent, helping others, and staying connected to the people around him. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Donna; his parents, John and Elizabeth McGarry; his brother, John; his sister, Marianne; and stepchild, Kristin. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" McGarry; his children, Bob Jr. (Joanne), Mark (Nina), and Megan Brinkman (Mark); his grandchildren, Jack, Katy (Dillon Eldredge), Molly, Torin, Quinn, Ben, and Charlie; his stepchildren, Stephanie (fiancé Stan), Tricia, and Julie; and his step-grandchildren, Grace, Charlie, Vincent, and Pierre. The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community, preceded by Visitation at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow at noon in Hospitality Hall on the lower level of the church. Burial will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob's name to Alzheimer's research or cancer research. Bob will be remembered for his humor, his faith, his friendships, his joy for life, and the unmistakable way he made people feel loved. His family knew they were his greatest treasure, and that love remains his lasting gift.

Robert Thomas McGarry

April 20, 1942 - May 23, 2026

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