Dear PSC Friends,
Word was received this Lord's Day morning of the passing into glory of Dr. Joseph Garrisi. Please pray for Anne, his wife of many, many years, and the family (including the Rev. John Garrisi, a member of our Presbytery). Dr. Garrisi has served for many, many years as a ruling elder in various churches.
If I hear any details regarding service arrangements, I'll post them here.
*****
Sent: Sunday, September 20, 2009 8:46 AM
Subject: HOMEGOING: Joseph A. Garrisi, September 3, 1919 - September 20, 2009
This brief note was received a few minutes ago from the Rev. John Garrisi:
My father just died.
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever," (Revelation 22:1 - 5)
the Rev. John Garrisi
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We found out about Dr Garrisi's passing today (3/2/11). Thought I'd share some reflections of him from my mother Joyce Wright(Isaacson).
ReplyDeleteThe Doctor who helped you kids' Moms raise you from infancy to the beautiful adults you now are has gone off to heaven. I'm weeping tears for this lovely man who was such an important part of our families for so many years. You were all so lucky to have someone so caring watch over your health during your young lives. His specialty was diagnostics and he was soooooooo smart & called everything right almost from the onset of problems! He found us the best doctors, got us hospital rooms when necessary, and kept you healthy and sound throughout your childhoods. I called him almost once a week with some question or other and he was never too arrogant to sincerely take time to respond. He was so bright & smart & quick & funny & delightful. Though he didn't talk religion or preach to us during office visits, when he found out we weren't going to church he got after Dick to bring us all to his church (Orthodox Presbyterian) which Dick did & we went there a few times - it was a little too strict for us liberals so we ended up at the Methodist Church, but it was all because Dr. Garrisi made us realize we were responsible for our family's spiritual lives & thats why we started going to church as a family. One time when I was broke he grabbed $20 from his own wallet & lent it to me & sent me off to get an xray for my kid -couldn't believe he did that. He personally came to my house to check on my sick babies. My babies were his babies and he was determined they would all be healthy. I think almost every woman in our bridge club went to Dr. Garrisi - he promoted good values to all of us for our families - I totally loved & admired the man. Somehow he managed to be warm & caring like a small town doctor even though he had such a busy practice - a total lost art today when health care is like socialized medicine with impersonal practicioners. In today's world everybody has to go pay for therapy to get any personal attention from anyone. Dr. Garrisi didn't believe in spoiled lazy kids & he was very good natured and had lots of great logic & common sense. He was frugal and had all his own dental work done at USC Dental School -
He said that if the kids are brats they can sit on the floor - he said parents only responsibilities to their kids are shelter, warmth & meals - privileges such as even being invited to sit at the table with your parents are for those who willingly pitch in to share in the responsibilities, as even very little kids can be helpful, and then those who share in the responsibilities also get to share in the good times (toys, going places etc.) He didn't think bad attitudes from children should be rewarded with anything at all - (tough love) - I found him fascinating. He helped me through some tough & scary times with my kids & I got lots of strength from my relationship with him. He gave me free baby care for one year for my 4th baby (Katie)! He probably did this for Pat also - her 4th would be James! We moved to Glendora when Katie was 1 & when she was about 7 she needed a tetanus shot & her Glendora doctor was on vacation so I made an appointment with Dr. Garrisi in Montebello - he hadn't seen her in 6 years - she was not cooperative about getting the shot & wiggled & sniveled so Dr. Garrisi said to her: "Katie - I'm not going to wrestle you to the ground to give you this shot - if you want to go to camp give me your arm -" Katie thought about it a minute & I saw a wave of maturity wash over her - she walked over to Dr. Garrisi & stuck out her arm & he gave her the shot. It was a beautiful moment in time. How fortunate we were to have known this guy! If you are ever lucky enough to find a Doctor like this in your lives your families will be blessed.