Obituary of John Z. Garber

John Zent Garber, age 86, of Teaneck, New Jersey, passed away Wednesday, April 17 at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey. John was born in New York City, on June 22, 1937, the son of the late Dr. Clarence Zent Garber and Dr. Kathryn Small Garber. A child of two doctors, John's parents inspired a love of research, especially anything related to medicine, such as microbiology, genealogy and genetics, He took an interest in any subject that crossed his path. He also spent a great deal of time learning languages, Swedish, Norwegian, French, Irish, German to name just a few. Growing up, his family, including his younger sister, Lois, enjoyed weekends boating on the Hudson River and on lakes in northern New Jersey, as well as summertime camping in Canada. He was active in Boy Scouts and graduated from Teaneck High School with the class of 1955. Following graduation, John attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1960. After graduating from college, he embarked on his first trip overseas, joining a European summer bicycling trip put together by the American Youth Hostels Organization. The trip cemented in him a love for cycling and a love for travel. After serving in the Army, he worked as a software programmer for various companies including Chemical Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lois. John is survived by his nieces and nephew: Susan (David) Hoffer, Nancy (Kurt) Zachary, and Jonathan (Jennie) Cary. He is also survived by his cousins, Kathryn Small Blankely, Susan Porter Kelly and Genora Germek A memorial service celebrating the life of John Zent Garber will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 22 at the First Presbyterian Church of Hackensack, 64 Passaic Street, Hackensack N.J. 07601. The Rev. Steven McClelland will officiate. Per his wishes, he was buried at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Garber's memory, please consider the Bergen County Historical Society. Arrangements conducted by G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Service, 397 Union Street, Hackensack. To send condolences, directions or further information visit http://www.gentilefuneralservice.com