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At random: "When you shoot at a destroyer and miss, it's like hit'in a wildcat in the ass with a banjo” -- Chief Officer Steward Dogan on the USS Gurnard during WWII

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Coyote

Posted 2025-03-06 9:12 AM (#105294)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1175

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Thursday Obits

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=eternal%20patrol%20by%20ussvi

The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.

I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.

BRACKEN .. .. .. Kevin John Bracken died unexpectedly on Dec. 26, 2024, in Hayward, California. He was 57 years old. Kevin, along with his identical twin brother, were born ten minutes before the first Super Bowl on Jan. 15, 1967, in Schenectady, New York. Kevin came into this world as a surprise; the doctor was convinced that he was delivering a single birth and then there came Kevin. He was preceded in death by his identical twin brother Kenneth Edward Bracken and Father Gary S. Bracken.
Kevin is survived by his mother Sherry Celenski Bracken, his fiancé Sheri McDaniels, brother David S. Bracken, nieces Kristen Bracken and Shannon Williamson, three great-nieces and one great-nephew, and several cousins.
Kevin moved to Pleasanton, California, at the age of four. As a young boy he enjoyed playing with his “neighborhood crew”, swimming on the local swim team and playing baseball. Kevin graduated from Valley High School in 1985. Shortly after graduation, Kevin enlisted and spent five years serving in the U.S. Navy; he served on the U.S.S. Blueback submarine, known as the Silent Service, where he was a member of the crew who decommissioned the last diesel submarine in the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
After his service, Kevin learned how to scuba dive. Kevin’s father Gary lost his sight due to diabetes when Kevin was six. Kevin became his Dad’s eyes, describing sunsets, baseball plays, and everyday things to him. As his father’s health declined, Kevin was at his side, spending every night in the hospital with him. He was a true blessing to both his parents during this difficult time.

After his father’s death, Kevin then took up skydiving. He became a Master Skydiver with over 1,000 jumps. Kevin loved the freedom of skydiving, sailing through the air and cherishing the views that only a small few do enjoy.
Kevin, even though an identical twin, was one of a kind; he would make us all laugh with his catch phrase, “Have you met me?”
Kevin will be dearly missed for his bravery, humor, deep thinking, love and compassion. We are grateful to all those that have supported and loved Kevin throughout his life. He will live on with his lifesaving gift of organ donation. Three individuals received lifesaving news of Kevin’s gift of his liver and both kidneys on Christmas Day, 2024.
Services are March 22, 2025, 10 a.m., at CCOP (Catholic Community of Pleasanton), with a reception following at Highland Oaks Recreation Center, 4530 Sandalwood Dr., Pleasanton, California, 94588. *Please RSVP text for reception attendance to 925-819-9459 by March 18, 2025.

STRATH .. .. .. Richard T. Strath, born in Monticello, N.Y., raised in Colonie, N.Y., passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 65, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the son of the late Robert Strath and Joan Dexter-Strath. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service in 1976, he served his country as a Torpedoman's Mate on the USS Daniel Webster while stationed in Holy Loch, Scotland, until 1980. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 36 years, retiring in 2019. Richard was an avid bowler, after retirement he toured the PBA 50.
Beyond his professional life, Richard was known for his love of life and the outdoors, riding his motorcycle, hunting, golfing, boating and fishing. He was a long-time member of NA.
He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and unwavering support that will forever be cherished by his partner, Donna Wilkinson; daughters, Crystal Marx (Shawn) and Melissa Gray (Eric); grandchildren, Alyssa Hesch, Austin Vuignier, Dylan Gray and Alivia Gray; great-grandchildren, Abriella Reed and Ayden Thomas Reed; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Barbara J. Clow and Mary E. Strath-Smith.
Richard will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and friends, his wisdom, and his ability to find the silver lining in every situation. His love and guidance will continue to inspire us all, he was often heard saying that life is all about "The Dash," everything in between.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, N.Y. 12205. Interment will be private, at the convenience of the family, at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

GAMBOGI .. .. .. Michael Joseph Gambogi, affectionately known as Mike, passed away on March 3, 2025, in Washington Township, NJ, at the age of 72. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Suzanne Gambogi, and his cherished children, Christina Gambogi (Christopher) of Clayton, NJ, and Michael Gambogi, Jr. (David) of Menifee, CA. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Christopher Jr. and Alexis, who will remember their grandfather with fondness and pride. Mike is also survived by his dear siblings, Peggy (Bob) Kaledas of Boothwyn, PA and Ted (Tik) Gambogi of Prescott, AZ, along with many nieces and nephews who will deeply miss his presence. His loyal dog, Toby, was a constant companion and source of comfort.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, on September 15, 1952, Mike was raised in Mantua, NJ, alongside his siblings. He was a proud graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School in 1970. His passion for the culinary arts led him to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where he earned his Associate of Occupational Studies in culinary arts in 1976. His skills and love for cooking were not just a profession but a way to bring joy to others. Mike also honorably served his country in the Navy aboard the USS Lapon, a Sturgeon-class submarine.
Throughout his career, Mike left his mark as a professional chef in Atlantic City, NJ and the Franklinville Inn. He also shared his love for seafood with the community as the Seafood Manager at Zallie’s Shoprite in Sicklerville.
Mike made his home in Clayton, where he was an active community member, serving as a Clayton Little League coach. An avid outdoors man, Mike loved to fish and was a dedicated fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.
Mike’s life was a testament to his love for his family, his country, and his community. His warm smile and generous heart will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Mike’s spirit will live on in the memories he left behind, and he will be deeply missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on March 7, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312 and again on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:20 AM at Saint Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 49 W. North Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11:30 AM at the church. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

SPENCER .. .. .. David L. Spencer, 93, of Fredonia Place, Fredonia died at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on March 1, 2025. He was born September 11, 1931 in Dunkirk to Earl and Margaret (Maloney) Spencer.
David attended Dunkirk schools before joining the Navy in 1948. He served with distinction for fourteen years, mostly from the base at Norfolk, VA. David served aboard all sorts of vessels, including submarines. For a substantial portion of David’s career, Admirals chose him as their private driver at various ports of call around the world. He steadily rose through the Navy ranks to achieve the rank of ENC (Chief Engineman). In 1955, he met and married the former Anne M. Jensen and started a family. He received an honorable discharge and medical retirement from the Navy in 1962 and returned to Fredonia with his wife and children. David took a position at the Chautauqua County Home and Infirmary as a maintenance mechanic. He worked at the facility for 30 years where he retired as the Director of Maintenance.
David enjoyed hunting, fishing, planting his tulip trees and growing tomatoes in his garden. Aside from raising his own five children, he also helped to raise his grandchildren. He was a 63 year survivor of Type 1 diabetes.
In addition to his wife of 69 years, the former Anne M. Jensen, David is survived by his children: Sue A. Spencer of Fredonia; Daniel (Rebecca) Spencer of Decatur, Georgia; Elaine Spencer-Carter of Rochester; Carol (Mark) DiRusso of Fredonia; James Spencer of Fredonia; as well as four grandchildren including Axion Wren Blair, John Blair, Megan Blair and Warren Carter; also two great grandsons, Jackson and Henry Blair.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers Earl Spencer Jr., John Spencer, Jerome Spencer, and his sister Sheila Spencer Kuehn.

McBRIDE .. .. .. L. Milton McBride of Boulder, Colorado, died on February 20, 2025, surrounded by family, following a cardiac event while he was a patient at Boulder Community hospital. Milt was born on June 7, 1941, in Missouri, to Lowell and Lorna (Boyd) McBride. In 1945 the family moved to Salida, Colorado, where Milt and his brother (Bob) and sister (Margarete) grew up. During his six-year stint in the Navy, he served on one of the first crews of the USS Tecumseh Polaris submarine. He attended CU Boulder for a B.S. in electrical engineering and M.B.A., and also met his future wife, Karen Johnson, there. His professional career was in power generation, primarily with Public Service (eventually Xcel Energy), where he served as head of Fort St Vrain nuclear power station (now deactivated), then of the Denver metro area, and finally of the Western Slope district. After he retired from Xcel, he directed a Kinder Morgan co-generation station in Fort Lupton for several years before retiring in 2008. Milt and Karen have two daughters, Rachel (Brett) Paradis and Lorna (Zach) Borger, and four grandchildren, Elly, Vienne, Camille, and Rylan, all of whom live nearby. Milt is also survived by his sister, Margarete Jennings, of Colorado Springs.
Milt was an engineer, athlete, singer, and general fix-it man. As a skier, he had soft spots for the deep powder at Monarch Ski area outside Salida and for the Milt’s Face run at Vail. He pitched fast-pitch softball in Salida or Boulder city leagues for 30 years, pitching right-handed and batting left. He loved golf, convincing Karen to time their wedding around his favorite tournament and deeply regretting not being able to play much in recent years because of various surgeries. A tenor with a pure, true voice, he sang duets with his mother on Sunday mornings on the Salida KVRH public radio station, performed with the CU Buffoons while in college, and joined the Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder (now Grace Commons) in the 1980s. He and soprano Karen made long-lasting friends through that connection and the Jubilate Sacred Singers a cappella choir, and enjoyed tours in England and across the U.S.; a highlight was a Jubilate concert in Carnegie Hall in 2008. Milt was a family man through and through, and loved nothing more than seeing his family enjoying each other. Every member of his extended family knew to call on him if they needed a ride somewhere or a repair consultation.
“The Warrior,” grandchildren called him during his final hospital stay. Grandpa. Daddy. Uncle Milty. The Big Guy. How we will miss him.
If you wish to make a charitable contribution in Milt’s name, we suggest the Hillside School & Center for Dyslexia on Lookout Road in Gunbarrel, which is completing a specially-designed dyslexia center. Milt and Karen’s daughter Rachel is Director of Educational Programs at this valuable resource for students with dyslexia and related learning difficulties. For information, see https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Milt
A service honoring Milt’s life is planned for Saturday, April 5, at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Grace Commons Church in Boulder, with reception to follow.

RICHARD .. .. .. Thomas Joseph Richard, a beloved member of the Albion, NY community, passed away February 28, 2025. Born on December 24, 1943, to the late Roger and Ella Richard,
Thomas lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for his family and friends.
Tom graduated from high school in 1961 and soon after joined the Navy, where he proudly served his country. During his time in the Navy, he was stationed on two submarines, the USS Grouper and the USS George C. Marshall, making lasting contributions and friendships. After his honorable discharge in 1969, Tom returned to his hometown of Albion. He began working at T.J. Lipton’s, where he was a dedicated employee until the company closed. Following this, he found joy and camaraderie tending bar at Gurney’s Old Coach Inn, where he was known as “Big Tom.”
Tom was predeceased by his father, Roger Richard; mother, Ella Richard; brother-in-law, Frederic Skalny; sister-in-law, Jennie Richard; and brother, Carl Richard.
He is survived by his siblings: Nancy (Blaine Sr.) Wirth, Mary Ann Skalny, Charles (Beverly) Richard and Steven Richard. Tom also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well as his beloved pet, Kat.
In accordance with Tom’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. His family and friends will remember him privately, cherishing the memories and the impact he had on their lives. Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

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