[Photo: Liz Kern/KMJ]
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) -Services started Tuesday for Poverello House founder “Papa Mike,” who passed away July 5th at the age of 73.
Michael Lee McGarvin was know affectionately as “Papa Mike,” and at his visitation service, Tuesday, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, his gift of love for those most in need was most remembered.
Mary, a member of Amici del Poverello Guild (Friends of the Poverello House) described his spirit; “A character, wonderful, loving, kind, a photographer, author, he seemed to have it all, his wife is wonderful.”
His wife of 46 years, Mary McGarvin was there with daughter Clare, who will deliver the eulogy, and quietly spoke of her husband and his love for his community and life’s work.
“He was just a wonderful person, and I don’t know how I’m going to go on without him…. but I’m going to try. I know he loved me and his family, and Poverello and as long as I have that and those people supporting me I’ll be ok.” – Mary McGarvin, Wife of Papa Mike.
[Photo: Liz Kern/KMJ]
The Rosary is being held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (355 E. Champlain Drive) at 6:00p.m., Tuesday, July 11th.
On Wednesday, July 12th, the Mass of Christian Burial takes place at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10:00am, with a reception to follow.
On Friday, July 14th, Memorial Service for Papa Mike will be held at the Poverello House, for the homeless clients that it serves, and “anyone else interested.”
[Photo: Liz Kern/KMJ]
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