This is a tribute to Garrison Bruso, September 29, 1943 / July 14, 2022. He was born on a Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri. When Garrison was 6 weeks old  he was adopted by Virginia Bruso and her husband, the Reverend Earl James Bruso. Garrison and his sister Pamela were raised in Kankakee, Illinois. Both graduated from Kankakee High School.

Garrison attended George Washington University in Washington D.C. where he received an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies with a minor in history. He then went on to complete a Masters in Teaching, also at GWU. Ten years later, in June of 1984, Garrison pursued and received a Certificate in Administration from Loyola College in Baltimore. 

Garrison began his teaching career in 1974 at Stedwick Elementary School, part of Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Later, Garrison taught at Sligo Middle school in Silver Spring, Maryland. He dedicated 32 years to teaching, positively impacting countless students.

It was at Stedwick Elementary that Garrison met the love of his life, Jacquita Kathleen Foy. Garrison and Jacquita had over 40 years of love, laughter, tears and adventures together. Their bond was deep and unbreakable. They exemplified the meaning of  true love and companionship.

Along with his love of teaching, Garrison had a passion for collecting antiques and art. He and his friend Henning Kramer shared many exciting adventures, traveling to New York to hand pick French antique furniture from shipping containers freshly arrived from Paris. Garrison was an avid collector of art, mostly paintings and sculptures, and acquired hundreds of pieces for their personal collection over the years.

At the end of each day Garrison and Jacquita frequently shared a toast from their balcony. The balcony has a bird’s-eye view of the Chesapeake Bay Marina, the bay bridge beyond and the glowing sunsets on the horizon. Garrison is now on a solo journey across the bay and beyond the horizon, undoubtedly embarking on that journey with grace, style and humor, as only Garrison can.

Garrison graced the world with joy, friendship, family, and love. The world is a different place without him.

As Garrison would say,
Peace, Love and Tranquility!