Richard "Rick" Garito, a hardworking Lowville native known for his no-nonsense attitude and contagious laugh, passed away after a lifetime of running his bar, raising his family, and speaking his mind.

Born and raised on Stewart Street in Lowville, NY, Rick cherished the simple joys of childhood—playing with neighborhood friends and making memories that lasted a lifetime. He attended Lowville Academy, graduating in 1974. Soon after, he moved to Utica, NY, where he lived with his beloved Aunt Gert and worked at the local paper mill.

Rick returned to Lowville and, in a moment of fate at Around the Corner, met the love of his life, Jody. It was his infectious laugh that first captured her heart. The couple married on April 18, 1981, and shared 39 cherished years together. They settled into the family home Rick purchased from his father-in-law, Clifford Merry, where they raised their two sons, Joseph and Anthony Garito.

He loved the energy that came with tending bar and in that found some of his closest friends. Rick pursued his dream of ownership, and in 1991, he bought Bakers Bar and Grill, which he has proudly owned and operated for the past 34 years—a true Lowville institution.

Beneath a tough exterior, Rick loved deeply those he let into his inner circle. He found immense joy watching his grandson Ephraim play sports and spending precious time with his granddaughters, Delia and Goldie, whom they will miss dearly.

Rick is survived by his sister, Glendyne Hanno (husband Mark Hanno); brother, Jim Garito (wife Katie Garito); sister-in-law, Elaine Garito; and many nieces and nephews he adored. He joins in eternal rest his wife, Jody, Mother and Father, Joseph and Gwendolyn Garito, and his brother, Bobby Garito (Country Bob).

A celebration of Rick's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Marine Corps League in Lowville, NY. All are welcome to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who loved his friend's and family unconditionally.