In Passing – April 2026

Harold “Tubby” Garverick Jr.

Harold George Garverick Jr., affectionately known as “Tubby,” passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026.

Tubby was born July 14, 1937, in Galion, Ohio, the third of five children born to Harold and Mina (Wilson) Garverick. He graduated from Galion High School in 1955, where he was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and baseball, earning All-Conference honors in multiple sports. A natural leader, he served as class president and was later inducted into the Galion High School Hall of Fame. It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Nola Belle Althouse.

After high school, Tubby attended Bluffton College where he excelled as a football linebacker and baseball catcher for the Beavers from 1958 to 1960. He was elected football co-captain and earned All-Conference recognition in football two years and in baseball his senior year. He was later inducted into the Bluffton College Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements and leadership.

Tubby married Nola on Aug. 24, 1958, and together they shared 67 devoted years of marriage. They raised their three sons (Mike, Pat, and Kelly) in Mentor, Ohio. A devoted father, he was deeply involved in coaching youth league sports and mentoring young athletes. His proudest accomplishment was his family, and he especially cherished being Papa to his beloved grandchildren.

After earning his degree in business, Tubby built a distinguished career with State Farm Insurance (agent, manager, Director of Education/Training). He also taught insurance courses at Lakeland Community College. His dedication to education extended into public service, where he served eight years on the Mentor School Board and served as president of the Pinegate Community HOA.

In 2006, Tubby retired and he and Nola moved to PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Ariz., where they enjoyed golfing in retirement and time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Margie Leyden and Kate (Walter) Smith; and his brother Harry (Faye) Garverick.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nola; his sons, Mike (Chandra), Pat (Kathleen), and Kelly (Beth); his cherished grandchildren, Krista (Trey), Michael (Katelyn), Maggie, and Jack; his brother, James (Bonnie) Garverick; his sister-in-law, Nancy Weiner; and many relatives and dear friends.

Tubby will be remembered for his leadership, loyalty, competitive spirit, devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made on his community.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Mentor, Ohio (TBD).

www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries

Philip Lee Sobocinski

Philip Lee Sobocinski, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and coach, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, with his loving spouse of 58 years, Kathleen (“Kathy”), by his side.

Phil is survived by his devoted wife Kathy; daughters Shelly (Chris) and Kristin (Conrad); grandchildren Jacob (Samantha), Kayla, Jackson, Sydney, Nathaniel, and Peyton; and great-grandchildren Ignatius and Kolbe. He is further survived by his six brothers: Jerry (Sandy), Mike (Claudia), James (Suzanne), William, Thomas (Catherine), and Pat (Laura). He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Genevieve, his brother Donald, and his sister Janice.

Born 80 years ago, Phil grew up and attended school in South Milwaukee. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison on a football scholarship, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They built a life rooted in love, family, education, athletics, and an unwavering devotion to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Phil was the original “girl dad,” spending countless hours on playing fields, basketball courts, softball diamonds, and in the driveway. He was immensely proud of his daughters’ accomplishments.

Known as “Pop” to his grandchildren, Phil found great joy watching them pursue their own passions and especially cherished time spent at the family’s beloved cabin up north. Kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, campfires, even a wedding, were all part of the memories made there. The cabin was a place of laughter and tradition, and Pop was at the center of it all.

After his collegiate football career, Phil had a brief stint in the NFL, including time with the Atlanta Falcons. He then dedicated 23 years to teaching and coaching at West Allis Central High School. Known affectionately as “Coach Sobs,” he left a lasting impact on hundreds of student athletes. He coached with intensity and heart, emphasizing character, integrity, resilience, and self-belief. In recognition of his influence and success, Phil was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison, a master’s degree from UW-Whitewater, and his PhD from UW-Milwaukee. He went on to serve in leadership roles, including Superintendent of three school districts: Monona Grove, West Allis-West Milwaukee, and Warren Township in Illinois.

Beyond school and sport, Phil was an avid golfer and traveler. From St. Andrews to Paris to the Galápagos, he embraced the world with curiosity and appreciation. He lived fully and intentionally, always valuing time spent with family.

Phil will be remembered for his booming voice on the sidelines, his unwavering standards, his quick wit, and his favorite sayings: “Run the damn ball!” and “Moderation in all things…including moderation!” that perfectly captured his spirit.

In celebration of Phil’s remarkable life, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends.

Phil Sobocinski lived a life of purpose, love, and laughter. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he shaped, the family he cherished, and the values he instilled in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

John F. (Jack) McFall

Jack’s wife, Karen McFall, sadly announces the passing of her husband of 65 years.

Jack and Karen have been snowbirds from Camano Island, Wash., since 2013. He enjoyed an active life in PebbleCreek (PC), which included the fitness center, participation in theater productions, and being a member of the PC Singers.

Jack was born in Watertown, N.Y., on March 23, 1936. He did his undergraduate work in Ithaca, N.Y., and master’s and doctoral studies as a proud OSU Oregon Duck. Jack spent his career in education, and he served in the U.S. Army.

Besides Karen, Jack is survived by three sons, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Jack was a semi-professional pitcher in his youth and a great baseball fan. He was an avid fisherman, annually gifting his friends with fresh salmon until it became necessary to sell his beloved boat. Jack and Karen spent many years traveling the country in their RV—often with their grandchildren in tow.

Jack was bigger than life, a warm and loving man who was a great friend. He’d spend hours singing ballads in the kitchen while making corned beef for a St. Patrick’s Day party.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.