Stephen Garvin

Stephen Garvin, 81, of Acton, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2019 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. He was born in Sanford on January 20, 1938 the son of J. Neal and Dorothy (Taylor) Garvin, where he grew up and attended local schools. He was a graduate of Sanford High School and Bates College in Lewiston. In 1966, he married Jane Fogg and together they raised three children in Scarborough where they resided for over 30 years.He spent his career at Maine National Bank as the Senior Vice President of retail banking.Steve was an accomplished church organist. He played for 65 years beginning at age 15. He was the long time organist at North Parish Congregational Church in Sanford as well as Black Point Congregational Church in Scarborough and Falmouth Congregational Church.Never idle, he kept busy by serving his community. He was a charter member, former treasurer and past president of the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (FOKO) in Portland. He was former treasurer and past president of the American Guild of Organists, former treasurer and past president of the Alzheimer's Association of Maine, a member of the library building committee in Scarborough, and was currently a trustee at the Springvale Public Library. He was also currently serving on the board of trustees at North Parish Congregational Church in Sanford and previously at the local food pantry. Many great summers were spent at the family camp on Square Pond in Acton. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved there permanently, wintering in Naples, Florida for the past 15 years. Steve loved to spend time outside, gardening and doing yard work. He loved to travel, especially planning the logistics of the trip prior to departure. He took as much joy on a trip in the car, as he did going overseas.He loved the holidays, especially Christmas. His family will miss the joy he took in decorating, celebrating and singing Christmas carols at family parties.Steve lived his life as a quiet man of service. He was charitable and generous and showed his faith through the gift of his time and his music. He was a wonderful man who will be dearly missed. He is predeceased by his parents, and his brother, John N. Garvin, III.Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jane Garvin of Acton, his son Scott Garvin and his husband Carey Johnson of Boston, two daughters, Laurie Merrick and her husband Chris of Stratham, NH, Cynthia Christopher and her husband Tony, of Oakland, and four grand children, Kayla Christopher, Taylor Merrick, Jonathan Christopher, and Molly Merrick.A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 14th at 11:30 A.M. at North Parish Congregational Church in Sanford. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the North Parish Congregational Church, 895 Main St., Sanford, ME 04073, or Springvale Public Library, 443 Main St., Springvale, ME 04083.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence click tab at left.