J. Donald Garlick

John was born on June 16, 1933 in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Frank and Anne Garlick. J. Donald Garlick passed away on March 3, 2024

He attended schools in Providence. Donald entered the Navy in July of 1950 and became a Navy Diver in 1954 and a Master Diver in 1965. Don dove in the warm waters of Key West, Florida to the freezing waters of Newfoundland, Canada.

In 1968 Donald was assigned to Key West Florida as a diving instructor. Here he taught 12 secret mission divers the art of mixed gas diving. A year later stationed in Norfolk, Virginia on a salvage ship he received a package from the Philippines.  This package contained a hand carved wooden Master Diver Emblem. A note inside the package read "Thanks Chief we all made it".

Donald is survived by his wife Renee Hickland Garlick, three step-children, Kirk Tallis and wife Bridget of Wixom, Michigan, Nola Hickland and friend Karen of Holland, Massachusetts, and Mason Hickland and wife Wendy of Ranburne, Alabama and a loving niece Gayle and husband Rick Moone of West Kingston, Rhode Island.

Donald had a favorite saying, "Diving is spoken here".

John was extremely proud of his Naval career and of serving his country!

He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, The Orioles Nest, The Moose, The Eagles, and the VFW all of Sebastian, Florida.

Internment will be in the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, Florida.

In his honor please send donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, New York 10306