John Armand Garate

John Armand Garate, age 90, of Audubon, PA, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. He was born on April 3, 1935 in New Orleans, LA, to the late Angel Garate and Bonita Estilina Garate (nee Jones). John’s sister, Bonita Solis Garate Sinclair, was born in 1932. Bonita Estilina died in June 1940 and Angel married Catherine Estelle Garate (nee Wiedemann) on August 1, 1941 and welcomed son Miguel Angel Garate in 1946.

John was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Garate (nee Rabbitt) and Teresa Ehart Garate (nee Ansley); loving father of Katherine Triest (Robert), Christine Marie Garate, John Armand Garate Jr. (Mary Patrick), and Patricia Ann Garate; adoring grandfather of Katherine Marie Spring (nee Livingston) (Jennifer), Tracey Anne Howard (Christopher), Michelle Christine Livingston, Zalika Christine Issiakou, Ibrahim Mahamadou Issiakou, Michael Patrick Garate (Alice Li), and Margaret Estelle Garate; devoted great-grandfather of Kayden Michael Spring, Liam Michael Howard, Henry John Howard, and Anna Gabriela Garate. Predeceased by his siblings, Miguel and Bonita, and his grandchildren Barbara Mariama Issiakou and William Charles Garate (Kathleen Amos).

John grew up in Lynbrook, NY and graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in 1953. He earned a Bachelor of Marine Engineering degree from the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in 1957, along with orders from the Navy to post to San Francisco for duty on the USS Zelima. He married his sweetheart on June 15, 1957, the late Barbara Marie Garate (nee Rabbitt) and off they went in a black VW Beetle to begin their life together.

John’s active duty in the Navy ended in June 1959, and duty with General Electric started then and would last for over thirty years, with homes in Cincinnati OH, Schenectady NY (twice), Wayne PA, Ormond Beach FL, and Devon PA. He studied nuclear engineering at G.E.’s Knolls Atomic Power Lab, and worked on projects involving nuclear power, jet engines, space exploration, solar and wind power, among many others. After retiring from G.E., John became a computer consultant known as The Computer Tutor in the Devon area.

John’s frequent claim of having been a lion tamer is unconfirmed. His children and grandchildren can confirm his immense love for his family, his sense of humor, and his great capacity as a source of advice and comfort. He was an active member of the Catholic community, serving as a lector at St. Katherine of Siena and St. Monica churches, and with the Catholic community at Shannondell.

John married “Robin” Ehart on Valentine’s Day 2004. They shared a wonderful companionship and he enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Robin’s children and grandchildren. They moved to Shannondell At Valley Forge in 2017, which he said was one of the best decisions he had ever made. He treasured his friendships made with residents and staff, through activities like Catholic services, residence floor parties, bird carving, gym workouts and Sunday brunches. Even rehab too.

Family and friends are invited to John's Viewing 8:45-9:45 AM on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1260 S. Trooper Rd, Audubon, PA 19403, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment Private.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to a charity of your choice.