Bernard F. Garbowski

In Loving Memory of Bernard Francis Garbowski

Bernard F Garbowski, 95, longtime resident of Absecon, most recently residing in North Carolina, reached his final destination on August 3, 2026. As he went to be with the Lord, he was surrounded in love by his family and friends that became family.

Born on June 19, 1931 in Sayreville, NJ, Bernie lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, his work, and his faith. As an air traffic controller, he carried tremendous responsibility with focus, calm, and dedication. His career was a reflection of the qualities that guided him throughout his life: discipline, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.

But above all, Bernie was a loving and devoted father and ‘dziadzi’. His daughters and grandchildren were the great joy of his life, and he took immense pride in each of them. He cherished their lives and accomplishments and was always there with his love, guidance, encouragement, and support. His daughters and grandchildren will forever carry with them the lessons he taught through his example and the unconditional love he gave so freely.

Bernie's Catholic faith was at the heart of his life. He was deeply devoted to God and found strength, comfort, and purpose in his faith. His love for the Church and his trust in God's plan remained steadfast throughout his life. He sought to live his faith not only through prayer and worship, but through the way he cared for his family and friends. He treated others—with kindness, compassion, and generosity.

He will be remembered for his steady presence, his devotion to those he loved, his strong faith, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that his faith was a guiding light throughout his life and he is now reunited with his beautiful wife, Char. His love will remain forever in their hearts.

Bernie was predeceased by his wife, Charlene; his parents, Peter and Eleanor; his sisters, Florence and Marie and his brother, John. He is survived by his daughters, Denise McClain(Chris); Amy O’Rourke and Robin Dalton(Barry); his grandchildren, Carly O’Rourke, Molly & Calvin McClain and Jack & Caroline Dalton; his brother, Robert Garbowski and many nieces, nephews and friends who were blessed to know him.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 591 New Jersey Ave, Absecon. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5061 Harding Highway, Mays Landing. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Parsel’s Funeral Home, 324 New Jersey Avenue, Absecon from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:45 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our team at Cardinal Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion and support during Dad’s final days. We would also like to thank Becky Pendergraft for the unwavering love and care she blessed Dad with. She became a beautiful part of Dad’s life and we are forever grateful to have shared this journey with her.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bernie’s name to the Dementia Society of America.