Obituary of Joseph G. Garricks

GREENWICH - Joseph G. Garricks, 59, passed into the loving arms of the Lord on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Saratoga Hospital, following a long illness. Born September 1, 1955 in Bonnet District, St. Catherine Jamaica, Joseph was the son of the late Malachi and Joyce Garricks. As a young man Joseph lived in Kingston, later moving to rural Benbow District, St. Catherine. Always enterprising and hard-working, he started his own businesses, in soap manufacturing and also in marketing wrapping paper to retail stores. Loving and supporting his family were his driving purposes in life, which led to his securing a position in the apple growing industry in the U.S. He first worked in Massachusetts, and then at Saratoga Apple in Schuylerville, where he was employed for 20 years as a seasonal foreman in the orchard. Joseph exuded a love for humanity that knew no limits or conditions. In return, all who had the privilege of knowing him, across all walks of life, loved him. A true musician at heart, Joseph enjoyed composing, performing, and recording original songs. His infectious smile was a fixture at area farmers markets, and his Christian faith was unassuming yet unrestrained. Joseph is survived by his wife Gloria; his son Dwight and daughter Shaniel Garricks, all of Benbow District; his son Damien of Benbow and Schuylerville; and his son Dwayne Garricks, and daughters Tanisha Garricks and Ackeba Dryden-Chidawah, all of Great Britain. Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the New Covenant Community Church, Windy Hill Rd., Greenwich. There will be a service of worship and prayer at 5 p.m. A reception for family and friends will be held at Saratoga Apple, Route 29, Schuylerville, immediately following. A traditional Jamaican funeral and burial will take place at a later date on the family farm in Benbow. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations to assist the family with funeral expenses, along with messages of condolences, may be sent to Fund for Joseph, PO Box 74, Schuylerville, NY 12871.