"Tup"

Brother Tup

Gary "Tup" Tupper,  Orlando, Fl, 1953 - 2010 

 

With deep sorrow I must announce the passing of PVT GARY "Tup" TUPPER at the age of 56. After serving our country in the marines from 1972-1974 he went to college and received several advanced degrees in engineering. As a Siemens Engineer he designed power plants. Tup rode as a member of the PGR and Leathernecks MC. Tup also served his nation as one of the unsung heroes of disaster management as a HAM operator.  Ham operator KD4CWC has now signed off.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking to make donations in Gary's memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  Please click on the link below and it will take you directly to his memorial fund.
 
 
 
 
 
Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Sat, 03/13/2010

"Doc Hall"

Brother Doc Hall

Jack "Doc" Hall,  Mims, Fl, 1942 - 2010 

 

It with heavy heart that I pass the word on.  Doc Hall is no longer with us.  Doc was a real friend, a Brother a Founding Member of the Central Florida Chapter and a member of the Space Coast Chapter.  As a FMF Corpsman he was awarded a Bronze Star with a Combat Device. After years and years of escorting the travelling wall but not visiting it, Doc finally gathered the strength to walk the big wall two years ago.  His healing finally began then.

 

“God made Corpsman so that Marines could have Heroes.”

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Thu, 03/11/2010

Top's Final Inspection

   

 

  The Marine stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Marine squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

 

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God,
"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

 

Semper Fidelis brother, We miss you. Top 1951-2009
Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Sat, 06/20/2009

"Jimbo"

Brother Jimbo

James "Jimbo" Yeaton,  MA, 1956 - 2009 

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Wed, 04/01/2009

"Ripper"

Brother Ripper

John "Ripper" Steffen, Hugo, MN, 1964 - 2008

Obituary:

John passed away on Nov. 28, 2008, at his home in Hugo, at the age of 44 after a very courageous battle with cancer. John was born on March 24, 1964, in Albert Lea, to Leon and Laura (Vorpahl) Steffen. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1982. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country for four years.

On Oct. 3, 1987, he was united in marriage to Shaun Vangen. They were blessed with two sons, Justin and Finn. John lived in Wisconsin, Nebraska and Iowa before coming back to make his home in Minnesota. He worked for El Tronics in the Minneapolis area. They were wonderful to him throughout his battle with cancer.

John is survived by his wife, Shaun, of Hugo; sons, Justin, who is proudly serving as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Finn, at home in Hugo; Justin’s fianceé, Molly Vargason; parents, Leon and Laura Steffen of Albert Lea; siblings: Tim (Jamie) Steffen of Mascoutah, Ill., Mary (Larry) Schroader of Albert Lea, Cathy (Kirk) Cash of Farmington, Mike (Peggy) Steffen of White Wood, S.D., and Melissa (John) Bien of Sioux Falls, S.D.; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; mother-in-law, Sandra Vangen of White Bear Lake; brother-in-law, Drew (Melissa) Vangen of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Tira Vangen of White Bear Lake; and many friends in the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club. John was preceded in death by grandparents, Arnold and Florence Vorpahl and Elmore and Anne Steffen; and father-in-law, Kenneth Vangen.

We salute his strength of character, his determination to fight the difficult battle with cancer, and above all, his tremendous sense of humor throughout his journey. John will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. God bless his memory. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, hospice or memorial of your choice.

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Fri, 11/28/2008

"Louski"

Brother Louski

Louis Ken "Louski" Szymanski, Estero, FL 1947 - 2008

Obituary:

Louis "Louski" Szymanski, 61, flew to heaven on his own power Saturday, November, 22, 2008, as a result of a motorcycle accident in Fort Myers, FL. Lou was born in Hoboken, NJ on July 29, 1947. He was a graduate of Lincoln Elementary School and North Bergen High School in North Bergen, NJ. In 1969, Louis graduated from the former Pennsylvania Military College, now Widener University, in West Chester, PA. In 1969, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1972. In April, 2006, his decision to retire from his life-long career as a Continental Airlines captain was due to the grave illness of his beloved mother-in-law. In retirement he was a bus driver for the Lee County School District.

Mr. Szymanski is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Anne (nee Makulowich); his children, Nicole (Paul) Garcia, Stephanie Szymanski, Patrick Szymanski and Pamela Szymanski; his parents, Bohdan and Lucy (nee Polese) Szymanski; brothers and sister, Glen (Joanne) Szymanski, Ronald (Carolyn) Szymanski and Marcelle (Barry) Kloptosky; and grandchildren, Alexis, Haley, Chloe, Sophie and Emma. He was preceded in death by his son, Alexander in 1977.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172.

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Sat, 11/22/2008

"Spammer"

Brother Spammer

Ralph Willard "Spammer" Armstrong, Jr., Newark, OH, 1948 - 2008 

Personal Bio:

Sgt Ralph Armstrong
(Butch, Bill, HIDK or SPAMMER)
DOB: 9-Feb 1948 – Newark, Ohio
Died 26-Oct, 2008 5:15 pm (complications from agent orange)
Joined Leathernecks Joe C. Paul Ohio Chapter as a patched member 2008
Wife: Arlene
Son: David – Ralph’s grandkid: Gabe
Daughter: Darcie – Son in Law Paul Widel Ralph’s Grand kids : Katie & Evan
USMC Plt 335 San Diego March 1967
Radar Technician 1st @ 3rd MAW MASS units
Viet-Nam 1969-70 
Honorable discharge Feb 1971 from Yuma as Sgt Armstrong 

Obituary:

From Newark Advocate 10/27/08

A funeral service for Ralph Willard Armstrong Jr., nicknamed “Bill” and “Butch,” 60, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Criss-Schoedinger Funeral Home, 179 Granville St., Newark, with the Rev. Mark Chow officiating.

He was born Feb. 9, 1948, in Newark to the late Ralph and Helen (Hull) Armstrong. Ralph passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, at home with his family by his side. He was a proud Marine, Vietnam veteran, computer guru, motorcycle enthusiast, Leathernecks Motorcycle Club member, and a steadfast friend to many.

He was a loving husband to Arlene “Reni” (Nehls) Armstrong, and an exceptional father to David M. Armstrong and Darcie (Paul) Waddell. He was a proud grandfather to Gabriel Armstrong and Kathryn and Evan Waddell. He is survived by his family above as well as his siblings, Ronnie Armstrong, Dave (Diane) Armstrong, Becky Baker and Joan (Troy) Orr; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including honorary grandson, Colt Redd.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry.
His family wishes to thank all who visited and prayed for him. Special thanks to his best friends, Howard and Jan Andrews, for all of their love and support as well as Becky and Shannon O’Connell for their lifetime of friendship. Ralph was a kind, gentle man and, like his beloved Corps, he was always faithful. 

Visit www.CrissSchoedinger.com and click on the obituary link to sign an online guest book or to e-mail a condolence.

Friends may contribute to the Licking County Veterans Alliance in his memory. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

Semper Fi.

Armstrong Family
1725 Evergreen Ct
Heath, Ohio 43056

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Sun, 10/26/2008

"Danny"

Brother Danny

Daniel Joseph "Danny" Sullivan,  MA, 1948 - 2008 

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Sat, 02/16/2008

"Ghostrider"

Joe "Ghostrider" Lorek, Mentor, OH, 1984-2008

 

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our fellow Leatherneck, Marine Sergeant, Joe Lorek. Joe was a three tour OIF veteran and served with the Light Armored Reconnaissance as a TOW Gunner during his tours of duty. He had been discharged more than a year ago and was one of the Mentor Seven (Seven Members of a High School Class that enlisted together).

 

Once back home, after recovering from injuries, Joe was active within his community helping out with Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps League as well as the Leathernecks MC.

 

Memorial Fund


The family is hoping to receive donations enough to begin a memorial fund for a scholarship or other endeavor so that Joe’s memory may be kept alive and he can continue to help his NE Ohio Community.

Donations can be sent to Joe W. Lorek memorial fund c/o Gold Star Chapter Leathernecks MC, 8720 Twinbrook Drive Mentor OH 44060. Call Tim DeWolf at 440-463-5400 with questions.

http://ghostriderfoundation.org/

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Sun, 01/06/2008

"M-60"

Brother M-60

Gerald (Jerry) William "M-60" Roellig, Port Charlotte, Fl, 1946 - 2007

Remarks:

M-60 was a member of the Gulf Coast Chapter until the forming of the Sun Coast Chapter. While a member of the Gulf Coast Chapter M-60 was the Road Captain. He planned and routed out our rides and led the club. People that knew him all agree that he wasn't shy; in fact he was very outspoken in his beliefs. Jerry loved life and was always up for a good time. Along with the clouds, Jerry was always brought a ray of sunshine. We will miss his stories, half of which I believed, the other half, I don't know. Jerry was definitely a ladies' man. It seems that every time he would arrive, it was with a new girlfriend. I told him to buy them name tags because there were so many. Jerry is sadly missed by all who knew him. He was a class act that is impossible to replace.

Joe "BLOOPER" Tine

President Gulf Coast Chapter

Reported to Final Duty Station: 
Thu, 07/19/2007