STATEN ISLAND, NY – The family and friends of a Staten Island man who was killed while vacationing in Chile will celebrate his life this week by announcing details for several events being held in his honor.
Eric Garvin, 38, of Stapleton, a local and community attorney, was shot dead in an attack in the city of Santiago in January.
The Garvin family released the details of a ceremony in a Facebook post.
According to the Post, a celebration of life worship will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Md
Islanders wishing to pay their respects to Garvin can do so virtually via the church’s livestream service at ebenezerame.org.
The funeral will be held in the Maryland area on Saturday.
Garvin’s favorite color was blue, so contestants are asked to add that color to their attire as a tribute to him.
“My parents and I are eternally grateful for all of your prayers, calls, emails and texts,” Garvin’s sister Naomi Garvin said in the post.
Memorial Service for Eric E. Garvin Esq. takes place at Maker Park Radio.
STATE ISLAND TRIBUTE
A celebration of life and balloon launch will be held locally Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in honor of Garvin at Maker Park Radio, 450 Front St. in Stapleton. Community leaders Malcolm Penn and Mike Perry of Penn & Perry, Inc. will host the event in partnership with the Chris S. Owens Foundation.
“My brother Eric E. Garvin is a legend on Staten Island. I’ve seen the path he’s walked, the people he’s connected with, and the work he’s done for his community,” a Penn & Perry, Inc. spokesperson said on Instagram. “We are grateful to the Garvin family, during this difficult time we offer support wherever it is needed.”
NYC Attorney Jumaane Williams and Chris Foye of the Chris S. Owens Foundation will speak at the event, which will culminate in a balloon launch.
“My wife and I are thrilled that New York City leaders are planning a ceremony to honor our son’s contributions to the Staten Island community,” Eric Garvin Sr. told Staten Island Advance/SILive.com.
INVESTIGATION
The mayor in Chile, where Garvin was shot, has since vowed to increase security in the Santiago area.
An avid traveler, Garvin was innocently taking a picture of a building in a crime-ridden area of Santiago when he was attacked by three unidentified men, who shot and killed him, according to his father.
The father said police officers told him that “three men from across the street” approached his son after he took the picture, probably mistakenly colluding with police and shooting at him. His killers remain at large.
“I am determined to ensure that justice is served, it seems that the local authorities in Santiago are just as determined and committed,” Elder Garvin said. “While the family and I work diligently to bring justice, let’s exercise some patience.”
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