GALIVANTS FERRY, S.C. - John A. Tarmey, Sr., 91, died peacefully on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the home of his son in Galivants Ferry, S.C. Born in Farmington, N.H., on September 17, 1926, the son of Martin and Grace Tarmey.
In 1943 John joined the Marines serving his country in WWII, while stationed mostly in the Pacific Islands. He was honorably discharged in 1948. On February 12, 1945, while serving in the military, John married Carol Brassaw. They settled in Farmington, N.H., and raised seven children. In 1967 they relocated to Barrington, N.H., where they lived for 27 years.
John worked at Iafolla Industries in Portsmouth until his retirement in 1979. He and Carol moved to Pittsburg, N.H., in 1994, where they had often vacationed. For several years they spent summers in Pittsburg and winters in Sylvania, Ga. Both locations provided John with ample year round resources for his favorite pastimes - hunting and fishing. In January 2013, he lost the love of his life, Carol, to whom he had been married for 67 years. Shortly thereafter, John moved to South Carolina where he contentedly lived out his final years in the southern sunshine, playing cribbage, baking pies and NEVER missed a Red Sox or NY Giants game. His card skills were amazing, leaving many who challenged him with empty pockets, right up until his 91st birthday.
He is survived by his seven children, Sharon Vien of Farmington, Barbara (Larry) Ryder of North Troy, Vt., Darrell (Donna) Tarmey of Farmington, Darlene (Howard) Starr of Newport Center, Vt., Patrick (Donna) Tarmey of Milford, Mass., Patricia (Norman) Labelle of Alton Bay, N.H. and John "Beany" (Dawn) Tarmey of Galivants Ferry; 27 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, two brothers, Phillip and Lloyd and two sisters, Marjorie and Eda. He was also blessed with many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.
A New Hampshire Press Association member