Robert J. Gagyi, 88, of St Petersburg, FL funeral is 12:45 PM, Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Bay Pines VA National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida 33744 with the United States Army Military Honors Team, to officiate.
Robert was born October 17, 1921 in Dayton, OH and died September 15, 2010 at the Largo Medical Center, Largo, FL from natural causes. A retired heavy equipment operator for the City of St Petersburg, FL; a Protestant and a local resident since 1951 when he moved here from Dayton, Ohio.
Tec 5 Gagyi military awards and decorations include a Silver Star Medal; Purple Heart; American Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal; with 2 Bronze Service Stars; Philippine Liberation Ribbon with1 Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal. He served gallantry in the Northern Solomon’s and Luzon, Philippines. He was assigned to the 37th Infantry Division from Ohio and helped liberate St Tomas University, Milan, Philippines. He was injured and spent time on a hospital ship. His US Army assignment was a forward radio operator and observer throughout the Pacific Theatre. Robert was a Master Mason for over 50 years and belonged to F& AM Lodge # 283 in St Petersburg, FL
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Robert is predeceased by his wife, Jean and is survived by his daughters: Roberta Sue Dickson of ST Petersburg, FL and Kristine Marie Bearse and her husband, Paul of Palmetto, FL; step-son, Corey Bailey and his wife, El-Lo-Ly of North Carolina; four grandchildren: Ronda Ard, Ronald Dickson, Shawn Mobley and Kimberly Epling and four great grandchildren: Gavin Ard, Hayley Mobley, Rachel Mobley and Barret Epling.
Veterans Funeral Care 727-524-9202
What a great life, great service and great man.
Ronda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I remember you telling me funny stories about your grandpa. Embrace the memories, as it will allow him to continue to be with you in spirit!
Love Tracy King
Bob was my landlord for a while. He was grandfather to someone I was close to at the time. He was a good man. I wish I would have taken more time to get to know him. I had no idea of his involvement in the Pacific theater in WWII.
I’ll never forget the time he lent me his old powerboat. I was so excited to take it for a cruise on Tampa Bay. We got it to the launch in St Pete, he backed it into the water, and as he pulled the trailer away I noticed an odd noise from the boat. By the time I flagged him down and he came back is was almost sunk. He forgot to instal the drain plugs in the back for the boat! That poor van mustered all of its strength to pull that boat back up the ramp, but it made it! Water drained for the rest of the day from that old boat. I never did get a chance to go on it again.
Thank you for being gracious and kind when I needed it most.
Sincerely, Emery