Obituary of Eugene E. Garabrant
Eugene “Gene” E. Garabrant passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer in the comfort of his home in Denville surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. He had shared 82 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and amazing memories and motorcycle rides with family and friends.
Born in Morristown to the late Orville and Elizabeth Garabrant, he was raised in Mendham, Morristown, and Denville; Gene was their only child. After graduating High School, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University before proudly serving our country in the United States Army. Once receiving his Honorable Discharge from the military, he went on to begin his career working as a Mechanical Engineer and throughout the years he worked for many well-known essential companies such as Thomas’s, Tetley, and Farmland Fresh Dairies, to name a few. After over 40 years of hard work, he retired at age 60 and went on to work for Moore's Extermination Services just to keep busy. The best part of his entire career, was meeting his soulmate and best friend for life, Lorrie Ann Mills, at work one day. They married on September 26, 1964 and settled in Denville to raise their family.
Gene was a walking encyclopedia; anything you needed to know, he had the answer. He was truly a remarkable, intelligent, hardworking, compassionate and caring man. An avid reader, it was seldom that he didn’t have a book/kindle in his hand. He also enjoyed hunting, but not more than the freedom that a motorcycle ride gave. He passed on his love for motorcycles to two generations! Gene was also a lifetime member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, starting out at Lodge #1083 before they merged and became Lodge #782. While at the Elks, he served at NJ State Vice President and was a Past Exalted Ruler.
Although we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing Gene is at peace and reunited with his beloved wife, Lorrie, who passed in 2018.
He leaves only joyful memories to his adored children, Gene Garabrant and his wife Christine and Beth Ann Garabrant; his cherished grandchildren, Gene Garabrant and his fiancé Natalie Fernandez, Tyler Garabrant, Nicole Kelly and her husband Brian, Jessica Shalongo and her fiancé Sika Bendolph, Kelsey and Samantha Shalongo; his treasured great-granddaughter, Olivia Kelly; and nieces, extended family, and dear friends.
Walkthrough Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 3rd from 2 – 6 pm with Funeral Service beginning at 5:30 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted in his name to Elks National Foundation, C/O Hopatcong Elks #782, 201 Howard Boulevard, Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Attn: Madeline or Atlantic Visiting Nurse, 200 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (include Eugene Garabrant in the memo). Please leave a condolence, share your favorite memory, and light a candle for Gene to continue to celebrate the incredible life he endowed to us.
