William “Bill” Leonard Garforth - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend -
passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. He is survived by his devoted wife of
52 years, Marjorie C. Garforth (Smith), his daughter, Catherine A. Jakuboksi, and his
daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia L. and Emmitt G. Taylor. He was blessed with three
grandchildren, Scott W. Jakuboski, Amanda C. Jakuboski, and Matthew W. Taylor.
Bill was born to Lydia C. (Wigley) and Leonard Garforth in Brooklyn, NY on December
5, 1943. At the young age of 5, he contracted polio which left him partially paralyzed.
Despite his battle with polio, Bill always persevered and let nothing stand in his way
including his physical disability. He graduated from Long Branch High School in New
Jersey before attending Rutgers College and Monmouth University where he graduated
with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. While in college he earned the
Highest Chemistry Grade Award. He then began his 35-year career as an accomplished
chemical engineer and research scientist with Georgia Kaolin/English China Clays
International. His accomplishments included several patents related to his research in
the chemical industry and acceptance into the American Chemical Society.
In 1968, Bill met his wife Marge through a mutual doctor, and on June 13, 1970, they
married at the United Methodist Church in Neptune City, NJ. Soon after, they welcomed
their first child, Cathy, and several years later their second child, Cindy. He fought to
make every day count and you didn’t have to know him well to see that his family meant
the world to him. His mother (Lydia) and he shared a bond that was admired by all as he
took care of her after his Dad passed. Bill and Marge consistently demonstrated the
utmost admiration for one another and could still be found holding hands whenever
possible 52 years later. The love that they shared was unlike any other. Together, no
obstacle was too much for him and our mom to overcome. Over the years, his name
appeared in the local newspapers several times for his professional and personal
accomplishments. He was recognized for his successes as a disabled husband and father
working side by side with his wife while raising a family. He was the provider for our
family past, present, and future. He selflessly took care of us more than we could ever
take care of him. He was always quick with a joke and never let anything stand in his
way or the way of his family. He was a proud father and even prouder grandfather and
was dedicated to making sure his family was always well taken care of even if it meant
looking for excuses to spoil us. He was committed to making sure his children and his
grandchildren had the opportunity to pursue a higher education. Bill was the first in his
family to graduate college and he made sure that his kids and grandkids all had the
same opportunity.
Throughout the years, our father’s passion for horse racing became our family’s favorite
pastime. We spent many days as a family doing what our father loved at Monmouth
Park, Belmont, and even Tampa Bay Downs. It was a passion that went beyond the race
track to include adopting a retired racehorse later in life, who had run his last race.
Many of those who worked at the race track knew him well and would even save the best
table for him. Horses were not the only thing he was passionate about and nobody could
speak to that better than Baby, Barney, and Sylvia, our family dogs. Some were dogs he
was asked to home, others were rescued, but all were met with unconditional love. Our
father enjoyed spending time with his family, whether that was traveling , fishing,
watching hockey, golf, football, or taking in a baseball game. It didn't matter. He loved
sports and he loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed tutoring. Over the
years, he has tutored many kids in math and science without accepting anything in
return. He was one of the most intelligent and knowledgeable men we have ever known
and he enjoyed sharing that knowledge with others. He always had all the answers to
Jeopardy and was able to answer any question his grandkids threw his way. Our father
had an unconditional love for all kids and animals and was always there if anyone or
anything needed him.
Being a grandpa came naturally to him. His grandkids loved his eskimo kisses and
riding on the back of his wheelchair. He loved going on family vacations to Disney
World with Scott and Amanda and he was present every Christmas morning for
Matthew since the day he was born. He was the first person to come to their rescue
when his grandkids got into mischief and supported them as they apologized and
negotiated their way out. Both of his grandson's middle names are William in tribute to
the wonderful father and grandfather he always proved to be.
Later in life, Bill was not able to attend church as much as he would have liked however
that had no effect on his relationship with the Lord. Our father had volunteered on the
finance committee at their church in New Jersey and has always followed Christian
values for guidance. Our father served as a role model to all who knew him. Regardless
of his role as son, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, or friend, he exemplified the
true meaning of each and passed those traits forward. His legacy was “to help those you
can, always stay true to your principles, and always try to do the right thing.” Bill helped
anyone and everyone who came to him with a problem. He never turned anyone or
anything away if there was something he could do to help. He was the person who
always made others smile and the person who would care at all cost. He was generous,
loving, funny, and quick to forgive. Our father had an impact on the lives of so many
people and he will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 3
pm at Community Bible Church in Brooksville, FL. In his memory, donations can be
made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Humane Society. Two passions that were
close to his heart.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of William "Bill" Garforth hosted by Brewer and Sons Funeral.
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of William "Bill" Garforth.