Our beloved Connor Garstka, Esq., 34, of Richmond, Virginia passed away suddenly on February 13th after a long illness. He leaves behind his parents, Ellen & Alan, his brother Colin FX, sister-in-law Elizabeth, friends, coworkers and his extended family. The brevity of his life belies the complexity of his life experiences. His boundless curiosity drove him to excellence in anything he pursued. He was a true Renaissance man. From a young age, music was a major part of his life. He mastered the tenor saxophone, piano and eventually settled on the guitar as his favorite instrument. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed writing music. He was currently performing regularly with his friend an oboist. He also played with the band, “Carmen Ann and the Low Down Gamblers” in Richmond, VA. He read vociferously but never frivolously. Only the best minds occupied the shelves of his bookcases. He especially loved to read and write poetry. We called him “Word Slayer”. He graduated magna cum laude from Boston College in 2011 and from William and Mary Law School in 2016. He was a senior attorney in the Legislative Services Department of the Commonwealth of Virginia. His words and his legacy are forever stamped in the pages of Virginia law and in history. He enjoyed cooking, yoga, hiking, bike rides with friends and walking with Buddy the love dog. He was lucky in life to have had a cadre of friends who were both empathic and fun loving. His coworkers remember him as a brilliant attorney, model mentor, and an even better person and friend. In Connor’s short life he carried himself with dignity, intelligence, and kindness. Despite chronic medical issues, he had an inner warmth, abounding wit and an engaging smile for everyone. Connor will be remembered at a private funeral service and buried in Calvary Cemetery in Chicopee, MA. A celebration of life service will be planned at a future date. Donations in Connor’s name can be made to Boulevard United Methodist Church c/o Pastor Drew Willson, 910 South Harrison St., Richmond, VA 23220 or Shalom Farms 1010 West Laburnum Ave. Richmond, VA 23227. You may use Free Funder for your donation (https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/connor-garstka). Alternatively, the family asks that you look around you to find someone in need and help him or her in loving memory. Let perpetual light shine.