Walter R. Garrison, 92, passed away on February 24, 2019 in Vero Beach, Florida, holding hands with his wife, Jayne.  Survivors include his brother, Donald Garrison, his children: Susan Garrison, Jack Bacon, Pamela Garrison Phelan, Mark Garrison and Jeffrey Garrison and 16 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and a large extended family.

Walt Garrison proudly served in the Navy Air Corps in WWII.  He was a dedicated Educator who founded and mentored the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.  He was a Professional Engineer and President and C.E.O. of CDI Corp and so much more.  He was a unique entrepreneur and generous philanthropist.

A Celebration of his remarkable life will be held in the Theatre of the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, 800 Manchester Avenue, Media, Pennsylvania on Saturday, March 30^th at 2pm with memorabilia of his life presented on the College sun porch, opening at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Walter Garrison Education Fund  held by the College he founded in 1953: Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, 800 Manchester Avenue, Media, PA 19063 Attn: Annamarie Cassidy

February 25, 2019

Dear PIT Family Members,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news that Walter (Walt) Garrison is now in the arms of his Lord.  He died peacefully Sunday morning with Jayne and Jack and Karen Bacon at his side.  Walt dealt with a failing heart for many years, which he never permitted to interfere with his devotion and commitment to the students, faculty, staff, and Board of Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.

Mr. G was the founder and has been the guiding light, leader, and inspiration of PIT’s Mission/vision since 1953. What positions did he not hold at PIT?  What jobs did he avoid?  He seemed to be everywhere and do everything.  The businessman in him knew everything that came in the door, what it cost, and where it was being used.  The educator in him knew most of the students by name, the requirements of programs, and the content of courses.  I never saw him driving the snowplow, but I can envision a boyish grin on his face as he cleared the lot!

Walt Garrison was also President and C.E.O. of CDI Corp., where he faced the duties and pressures of creating and leading an international, fortune 500 company, which generated over a billion dollars in revenue.  He seemed to lead CDI with an eye on a calculator and PIT with a hand on his heart.

Reconciling the aged Walter Garrison of the last couple of years with the titan I knew is no easy task.  In my mind, Mr. G is still bounding up the stairs, shaking hands with his vice-like grip, plunging into the depths of an issue, and asking those stomach-churning questions about something he was never supposed to uncover.  Those clear, blue eyes alone could freeze a foe or warm a friend.  Most of us know of his generous support of PIT students.  They were hardly the only recipients of his life-changing, helping hand.

Long-time members of the PIT community will have many tales.  Share them with our younger colleagues.  For it is the shared history and clear, student first mission he championed that will provide a bridge across the yawning chasm created by his death.  What he stood for is the compass that will always guide Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.  For this, we should all utter “thank you, thank you, thank you” to Walter one last time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jayne and the entire Garrison Family.

Sincerely,

Tom McDuffie

Chairman

Board of Trustees

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology