Lee J. Garigen, age 85, of Pike, passed away at Gateway Home on November 18, 2024 following a short illness.
Mr. Garigen was born on Monday, June 26, 1939 in Darien, a son of the late Sherwood and Ruth (Schmelzle) Garigen.
Lee was an undefeated wrestling champion of Alexander High School where he graduated in 1957. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army. Lee was a hard worker and valued employee all of his life. He started working at 14 on neighboring farms and continued working for the next 71 years. He was a trucker for Dad’s Dog Food in Attica; the owner of Clifford H. Hall Trucking; installed processing systems throughout the country for Lockheed Martin; and most recently was a sales representative at R.S. Maher and Son until his retirement in October of 2024.
He enjoyed golfing, roller skating, yardwork, working, and helping his kids work on their houses. Lee was a craftsman who took pride in his woodworking. Family was important to Lee and he cherished every member of his family.
Lee was always full of words of wisdom such as, “If I can’t fix it, it doesn’t need fixing” and “Cold hands, warm heart.” These were just a few of the words of wisdom Lee would leave with the people he met. And because he loved to meet and talk to people, one of his favorite comments about life was, “I’ve never talked to a person I didn’t learn something from.”
Surviving are his children, Lisa (Keith Levanway) Garigen, Dan (Marcela) Garigen, and Beth Garigen; grandchildren, Zachary, Ryan, Cierra, Tess, Eleanor, Joelle, Vivien, Rey, Julia, and Ember; sister, Sherry Garigen; mother of his children, Frannie Beck; brother in law, Chuck Lapp, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In death, Lee is reunited with his parents and siblings Allen Garigen and LouAnn Lapp.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Marley Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to Lee’s calling hours on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In Lieu of flowers donation may be made in Lee’s memory to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, NY 14011.
To leave an online condolences please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.
