Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • Our Team
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Practice
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Mr. William P. Garvey – Diocese of Erie

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Mr. William P. Garvey – Diocese of Erie

January 22, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Mr. William P. Garvey – Diocese of Erie

Mr. William Garvey

Diocese of Erie

Mr. William Garvey

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Mr. William Garvey:

Mr. William Garvey was teacher, coach, and college president of Mercyhurst College in the Diocese of Erie from 1980 to 2005. According to media reports, he abruptly retired after accusations surfaced that he sexually abused six boys when he coached youth basketball at the school for St. John the Baptist Church in Erie in the 1960s and 1970s.

The first victim raised allegations against Garvey in a June 2002 column in the Los Angeles Times. In his memoir "Never Let Me Go," the victim said he was abused by Garvey when Garvey coached basketball for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Erie.

Three other men said they were abused by Garvey while he was a coach. The two other men also told the newspaper that Garvey paid them for sexual acts when they were minors in the mid-1980s.

According to media reports, in 2018, Mercyhurst University announced that it was erasing Garvey's name from its campuses. This removal included his photograph from the university's library and other locations as well as signs at what had been known as Garvey Park.

Mercyhurst's decision to remove Garvey's name from the came nearly 13 years after the university leadership rejected a request from Mercyhurst faculty-which voted unanimously to recommend the name change-to change the name of the park to Advent Park because of the allegations against Garvey. The president of Mercyhurst at that time, Michael McQuillen, said such a move "would be divisive."

Garvey died in 2017.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.



Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap