Alpha Matthew Garth USMC captain, educator to generations in Bloomfield, husband and father of five Alpha "Al" Garth peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 6, 2017. He was 79. Friends and family are welcome to visit from 3 to 7 p.m., on Sunday, July 9, at Halpin-Bitecola Funeral Home, 1284 Broad St., Bloomfield, N.J. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Ave., in Bloomfield. Mr. Garth was born on Sept. 30, 1937, in Passaic, N.J. He graduated from Pope Pius High School in Passaic and William Paterson College with bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain. Mr. Garth had resided in Bloomfield for the past 48 years. Before retiring in 1998, Mr. Garth was a dedicated teacher at Brookdale Elementary School in Bloomfield, where he educated and positively influenced the lives of hundreds of children. Affectionately known as "Big Al" to his family, Mr. Garth was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. An avid reader and history buff, Mr. Garth was particularly knowledgeable about the U.S. presidents and the Civil War. Mr. Garth was a lover of music; he enjoyed listening to music, playing trumpet and harmonica and sang in the church choir at St. Thomas Church in Bloomfield for many years. A lifelong sports fan, he enjoyed watching all professional sports. Al was a friendly and kind man who leaves cherished memories with all who knew him. Mr. Garth is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Carol Ann (Carr) and his five children, Allen and his wife, Geovana, Janet and her husband, Dean Heagle, Andrew and his wife, Michele, Jean and her husband, Eric Rothrock, and Joyce and her husband, Kieran Husk, and his 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Garth and sister, Anita Garth McGuire. Mr. Garth was predeceased by his parents, Alpha and Ruth Garth, and his sisters, Joan Garth Delcalzo and Barbara Garth Coppola.