He was born Feb. 6, 1929, in Scranton, Pa., to Thomas and Mary (Sammon) McGarry. After high school he earned a bachelor's degree from the College of New Jersey in 1950 and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1951.
On Aug. 9, 1952, he married Norma Biangardi in Ridgewood, N.J.
Mr. McGarry was vice president of corporate communications and manufacturing at Pitney Bowes Inc. in Stamford, Conn., and a member of its corporate management committee.
Mr. McGarry received "numerous community and civic awards, particularly with respect to the renewal of downtown Stamford and the arts," according to a family statement.
He had served as a trustee, chairman of the board and president of Stamford's Hartman Theatre Company; director of the Stamford Center for the Arts; chairman of the Fund for the Future of the United Way of Stamford; and director of the Neighborhood Housing Services of Stamford. He had also been a member of the Public Affairs Research Council of the Conference Board.
A parishioner of St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport, he enjoyed sculpting, painting, traveling, art, theater, politics and community service, according to his family.
Predeceased by his brother, Donald, he is survived by his wife, of Greenport; children, Mary, of New York City, Thomas, of Sewickley, Pa., and Charles, of Newport, R.I.; sister, Lois Corr; and four grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Jan. 30 at St. Agnes by Father Thomas Murray. Interment followed at St. Luke's Cemetery in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J. Arrangements were handled by Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.
Memorial donations may be sent to the St. Agnes Restoration Campaign, 523 Front Street, Greenport, NY 11944.