Later that year, Garrahy joined the United States Air Force, where he served until 1955 while stationed in Upstate New York and was involved with logistics.

[4] Garrahy embarked on a business career, primarily as a salesman with the Narragansett Brewing Company.

[7] Garrahy lived in his office at the Rhode Island State House in Providence for three days until the crisis was under control.

[7] Garrahy was remembered for wearing a red and black plaid flannel shirt during the crisis.

[6] Garrahy's response to the storm became a template for public officials reacting to similar situations.

Garrahy's calm demeanor and pleasant personality provided comfort to many Rhode Islanders in distress during the blizzard's aftermath.

[citation needed] Despite political reform being a major campaign theme for Republicans that year, there were no scandals associated with Garrahy.