John M. Garber

John M. Garber, 52, Reading, formerly of Tamaqua, died Feb. 5, 2008, in his home.

John grew up in Tamaqua and was a son of William A. Garber, Tamaqua, and the late Carol (Steidel) Garber. While residing in Tamaqua, he worked for Children and Youth Services of Schuylkill County. He was working for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at its Shillington office. John was a 1973 graduate of Tamaqua High School and received his master's degree from Gettysburg Seminary.

He was a member of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, Douglassville, where he was organist/choirmaster for 19 years. He was a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Anglican Musicians and a founding member of the local chapter of Integrity in the Diocese of Bethlehem. He was a major participant in the redesign of the worship space at St. Gabriel's and the church's acquisition of a new Allen organ.

Surviving in addition to his father are a brother, William R. Garber and his wife, Carolanne, Tamaqua; nieces, TaraBeth and Karri; nephew, Billy; and grandfather, Maurice Garber, Tamaqua.

Services will be Monday at 1 p.m. in Christ Church on Field Road in Rush Township, Tamaqua, with the Rev. Canon Calvin C. Adams officiating. Friends may call noon until time of services in the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorial services will be Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. in St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 1188 Benjamin Franklin Highway East, Douglassville. www.stgabriels.us

Donations in his name may be made to the church.