Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
LtCol Roger Gingrich, USMC (Ret.)
(RTB - 15 OCT 13 @ 2:00 PM)
It is with profound sadness that I must inform you that LtCol Roger Gingrich, USMC (Ret.) Leader of Marines, Phrog Pilot and friend has RTB (Returned to Base) one last time. Roger lost his 7+ year with Cancer, but passed away peacefully, surrounded his loving wife Betty, other family and friends.
Roger's & Betty's youngest daughter will be getting married this weekend. Last weekend, Roger was able to witness at his bedside, the practice run-through of the ceremony
Roger's, family and friends would like to thank everyone for their Prayers, Good Wishes and Support during this most difficult time.
We have learned the the family will have a private ceremony for Roger, but that there will be a Celebration of Life for him in the near future. We will inform you as soon as we know the Date, Time and Place.
Save us a place in the "Final Formation" Rog
Posted : 2013-10-18 08:56
Re: LtCol Roger Gingrich
Always hard to Hear or believe that we have and are losing so many in these past years. God be with the Family and Loved ones of our Friend Roger. God Speed his Comfort! Also as The family will be having this Wedding, do help them to remember How happy He was to be there for the Run Through!
Posted : 2013-10-19 00:35
Topic starter
Re: LtCol Roger Gingrich
Roger Hugo Gingrich, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) born August 24, 1940 died of a prolonged illness on October 16, 2013 at age 73.
Roger was born in Somerset, Pennsylvania and was raised in the Syracuse area of upstate New York. He graduated from Minoa High School, Minoa, New York and attended Bucknell College and Mitchell College. He received a BS in business management at the University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida under the Marine Corps College Degree Program. He also received an MBA from Webster University, Yuma, Arizona.
In October of 1963, Roger joined the Marine Aviation Cadet program and began flight training at Pensacola, Florida. He received his Naval Aviator wings and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in May of 1965. He retired from active duty in the summer of 1986 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
In 1967, while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 in Vietnam, he was wounded by enemy fire while flying a combat assault mission to insert troops into a landing zone under fire. During his career he had the privilege of being the Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, (Thunder Chickens) Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Station Operations and Maintenance Squadron, MCAS, Yuma. He was qualified as an aircraft commander in a wide variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. His personal decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medals, and Meritorious Service Medal.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Roger was employed by the City of Yuma, Arizona, as the Assistant Director of Public Works. He retired from that position in 2004 and was rehired part-time as the Water Resource Coordinator for Yuma and held that position until his death.
Roger is survived by his wife of 49 years and 10 months, Betty Jean; his daughter Marchelle and her husband Art Tomassetti, Colonel U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.); his son Bradley Gingrich and his wife Heidi; his daughter Erin and her husband David Dolby. His grandchildren are Taryn and DJ Tomassetti, and Sydney and Lily Gingrich. He is survived also by his sister Mina Frank Ocala, Florida.
A ceremony to memorialize and celebrate Roger's life is planned for Saturday, December 7, 2013 in Yuma, Arizona at a time and location to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054, The Hospice of the Valley, Sherman Home, 5801 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 85054, or the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.
Posted : 2013-10-21 10:33
