1945
Gary
2024
Gary Sandelin
April 26, 1945 — October 21, 2024
Gary Evan Sandelin, age 79, of Key Largo, FL passed away on October 21, 2024 at South Miami hospital 11 days after suffering a heart attack.
Gary was born in Bay Shore, NY on April 26, 1945. The son of Adolf (Sandy) Sandelin and Grace Zwicker, Gary and his brother Arthur grew up on Long Island in Amityville, NY. After high school, Gary joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served from 1963 to 1969 as an Electrician’s Mate. He earned the USCG Unit Commendation Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal, and while stationed in Key West in 1966, Gary met the love of his life, Diane Mangano.
Gary and Diane moved from Key West to Miami, FL in 1968, and there they raised their three sons and one daughter. After his Coast Guard service, Gary joined Southern Bell (Bellsouth) where he worked for over 36 years as a repairman, foreman, manager, safety director, and trainer. In 1999 Gary and Diane moved to Key Largo, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living on the water. Gary was an avid boater, free diver and fisherman who loved to catch lobster and stone crabs, troll for mahi, or just take the family out for a ride. He and Diane traveled frequently, making new friends around the world.
Gary and Diane spent 58 years together until his passing. He was a beloved husband and a devoted and proud father, as well as a loving grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Diane, his eldest son, Scott (Fernanda) and grandsons Christopher and Lucas, daughter Lisa, second eldest son Gary (Ellie) and granddaughter Tillie, and his youngest son Kevin (Michelle) and grandchildren Keelyn and Calder. Gary was predeceased by his brother Arthur.
The family expresses their gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at South Miami Hospital who worked tirelessly during his 11 day stay.
Relatives and friends will gather for his memorial service at Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables, FL on Tuesday November 12th at 10:30am. Gary will be interred at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL in a private ceremony with his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Mote Marine Laboratory, Shake-a-Leg, or Canine Companions.
Mote Marine Laboratory: https://mote.org/support/memorials-tributes/
Shake-a-Leg: https://www.shakealegmiami.org/
Canine Companions: https://canine.org/donate/
Gary was born in Bay Shore, NY on April 26, 1945. The son of Adolf (Sandy) Sandelin and Grace Zwicker, Gary and his brother Arthur grew up on Long Island in Amityville, NY. After high school, Gary joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served from 1963 to 1969 as an Electrician’s Mate. He earned the USCG Unit Commendation Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal, and while stationed in Key West in 1966, Gary met the love of his life, Diane Mangano.
Gary and Diane moved from Key West to Miami, FL in 1968, and there they raised their three sons and one daughter. After his Coast Guard service, Gary joined Southern Bell (Bellsouth) where he worked for over 36 years as a repairman, foreman, manager, safety director, and trainer. In 1999 Gary and Diane moved to Key Largo, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living on the water. Gary was an avid boater, free diver and fisherman who loved to catch lobster and stone crabs, troll for mahi, or just take the family out for a ride. He and Diane traveled frequently, making new friends around the world.
Gary and Diane spent 58 years together until his passing. He was a beloved husband and a devoted and proud father, as well as a loving grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Diane, his eldest son, Scott (Fernanda) and grandsons Christopher and Lucas, daughter Lisa, second eldest son Gary (Ellie) and granddaughter Tillie, and his youngest son Kevin (Michelle) and grandchildren Keelyn and Calder. Gary was predeceased by his brother Arthur.
The family expresses their gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at South Miami Hospital who worked tirelessly during his 11 day stay.
Relatives and friends will gather for his memorial service at Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables, FL on Tuesday November 12th at 10:30am. Gary will be interred at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL in a private ceremony with his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Mote Marine Laboratory, Shake-a-Leg, or Canine Companions.
Mote Marine Laboratory: https://mote.org/support/memorials-tributes/
Shake-a-Leg: https://www.shakealegmiami.org/
Canine Companions: https://canine.org/donate/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Sandelin, please visit our flower store.
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