Garde

Michael J. Garde

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Michael J. Garde, founder and chairman of Bon Venture Services, a parish bulletin publishing company which serves the archdiocese, died Feb. 13 at his home in Middle Smithfield Township, Pa. He was 69. He founded the company, which publishes weekly bulletins for some 675 parishes, in 1976 and was president until his retirement in 1997. He continued as chairman until his death. He was an active member of St. John's parish in East Stroudsburg, Pa. In 1993, he and his wife, Evelyn, who survives him, were affiliated into the First Order of the Franciscans by the Holy Name Province. Born in New York City, he attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Callicoon and earned a bachelor's degree at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He is also survived by three children, Thomas, James and Mary Beth Piazza; a brother, JerŽ; and two sisters, Shirley Carhart and Gayle Klimach. A Funeral Mass was offered Feb. 17 at St. John's Church. Burial was in Laurelwood Cemetery in Stroudsburg.

Michael J. Garde