John David Garten

December 14, 1939 - March 29, 2022

John David Garten was born on December 14th, 1939, at St. Francis hospital in Charleston, West Virginia to William and Pauline Garten. He was the youngest of two brothers, Billy and Pat, and one sister, Laura Ann. It was during his time at 1015 Red Oak Street in Charleston's West side, playing countless games in the back ally, channeling his favorite player, Jerry West, that he developed his love for the game of basketball. But, more importantly, it was during this time where his lifelong loyalty and dedication to Notre Dame football began. A product of local catholic schools, he attended St. Anthony’s Catholic school and Charleston Catholic High School, graduating with his high school diploma in 1957. He attended one year at West Virginia State College, and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Morris Harvey College. On June 20, 1965, also known as West Virginia day, he met Elizabeth “Libby” Tinney on a blind date. After six months of courtship, they married on December 30, 1965, at St. Anthony’s church. After honeymooning for a single night at the world famous Greenbriar Hotel, they returned to Charleston to begin their 56-year shared life together. In May 1971, with no job prospects on the horizon, they left West Virginia, taking their modest belongings, and moved to Orlando, Florida. A few months after arriving, John began his first foray into the building supply industry, while Libby worked in various front office jobs. On October 19th, 1972, John and Libby welcomed their daughter, Emily. John continued to work in the building supply industry until 1975 before taking a job with Florida Lumber Dealers Association, eventually becoming the association’s Executive Director. It was during this period that John and Libby welcomed their son, David, on March 22, 1976. As the Executive Director of the Florida Lumber Dealers Association, John hosted the association’s annual retreat, welcoming world-renowned dignitaries including President Gerald Ford, Washington Post columnist George Will, Norman Vincent Peale, and many more. From 1989 to 1993, John took a leadership role for the Gypsum Supply Dealers Association before eventually opening his own thermography printing business in 1993 with his wife. They kept their small business open until John retired in 2010. Throughout his personal life and professional career, John was guided by a deep moral compass and his unwavering love for his family. And there hasn’t been a single fall season where John wasn’t ferociously cheering on the best team in college football – the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. John is survived by his sister Laura Ann, his wife, Libby, his daughter and son, Emily and David, his daughter-in-law, Melanie, and his grandson, Rohan. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in his memory, feel free to donate to the non-profit, Devereux, at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/FLMemorial/team/JohnGarten or your favorite charity.