Gary and his granddaughter, Jordan
Gary Tomacelli and sons, Nico and Jon
Gary L. Tomacelli, age 66, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Renton, WA on December 11th, 2017.
Gary is survived by his two children: Nico Tomacelli and Jon Tomacelli, as well as a granddaughter, Jordan Tomacelli. He also leaves behind eight siblings: Diana Nolan, Eric Tomacelli, Stephen Tomacelli, Paul Tomacelli, Barbara Fenske, Joey Tomacelli, Karen Jacobs, and Christina Tomacelli.
Gary was born in Portland, Oregon to Carmine & Carol Tomacelli on January 4th, 1951. He attended Reynolds High School in Portland, Oregon before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in February of 1968.
GySgt Gary Tomacelli served in the Marine Corps with honor and distinction for 30 years until his retirement in December of 1998. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Shield/Storm, during which time he received many medals and commendations for his dedication and bravery in battle. Including but not limited to multiple Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and 4 Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals. The discipline, honor, courage, and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him as his family and friends will attest. Semper Fidelis.
After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Gary spent time visiting his various family across the US before settling down in Renton, WA to be close to his granddaughter, Jordan. Throughout his retirement, he was active in the HAM radio community, often volunteering radio support for various race events in the Pacific Northwest.
A memorial will be held at Willamette National Cemetery (Portland, Oregon) on February 5th, 2018. He will be interred w/a military headstone and ashes spread in the South Pacific sea by his eldest son.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be given to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust in Gary’s honor.