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Gary Rovinski Obituary
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Oct. 16, 1961, he was preceded in death by his father, the late Joseph S. Rovinski, and brother, Michael.
Surviving are his wife, Jenifer; daughters Cecilia and Michaela; mother, the former Carmella Saracino Rovinski, Mountain Top; sister and brother-in-law, Paulette and Dave Bellamori, Woolrich Township, N.J.; sister Mary Catherine Costigan, Mountain Top; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Andrea, Mountain Top; brother, Anthony, Wilkes-Barre; and brother Thomas, Las Vegas; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held this Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church, Mountain Top. Friends may greet the family from 9 a.m. until the start of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at PNC Bank for the Gary T. Rovinski Memorial Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Rovinski
Marla Martin
May 27, 2024
I knew Gary and served with Gary in NMCB 25 in Iraq. He was a caring , sensitive, determined man, set on serving despite his setbacks. Thinking of you today Gary, and knowing God is holding you in his hand. Marla
Joe Drees
May 29, 2022
Thinking of you today.
Dana Diamond
June 5, 2015
Remembering you and your ultimate sacrifice to our country today on the 9th anniversary of your passing. Rest in peace
Donald Botox
October 16, 2012
Gary, I will remember your friendship in det.02 I miss you
Peggy Childers
June 6, 2012
June 5, 2012
To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski:
Always remembering Gary. "Some gave all."
Lynn Nash
June 8, 2011
Just read the Memorial Day newspaper article. Gary, Jaime, and Jerry will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing. Keeping you and your girls in my prayers.
Lynn Nash, mom of Jason, NMCB 25
Peggy Childers
June 5, 2011
To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski:
Please accept my remembrance of Gary on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Rick Meunier
August 2, 2010
Thank you Petty Officer Rovinski for your service and sacrifice for this great country. You will be missed. Freedom certainly isn't free. Sailor rest your oars.
Peggy Childers
June 5, 2010
To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski:
Remembering Gary on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Gray
June 1, 2010
Still miss you shipmate
michael silanskis
May 22, 2010
I was a CNCB PO1 I ported out through great lakes to the 5th fleet. I met gary once. I was joking how us old folks will be done soon. I'm sorry for your loss, he will be missed.
Peggy Childers
June 5, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski:
Gary gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Christina Levasheff
May 25, 2009
Remembering Gary today and especially you, Jen and your family. We cannot express enough gratitude for his and your sacrifice.
Gary was significant for me as he helped propel me into my career and his belief in me made a difference! He will never be forgotten.
http://storyofjudson.com
UT1 Mike Rohde NMCB25
May 25, 2009
On this Memorial Day I find myself remembering Gary, shedding tears again as I did the day I was told of his death. He has not been forgotten!
Lynn Nash
April 29, 2009
Dear Family of Gary,
I continue to think of you and pray for you when God brings you all to my mind. Gary was a very important "brother" to my son, Jason. Today I had a fleeting thought that they were now working together up in Heaven. That was a huge comfort to me...Seabees in Heaven...doing whatever our Father wants them to do...with true "Can-do" spirits. Hope you are well and know that we all appreciate the sacrifice that Gary and you have made. Love and prayers, Lynn
Kenna Larra
April 8, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
October 20, 2008
October 20, 2008
Pastor Frank Noyes
September 16, 2008
Dear family of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski,
We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.
Very Sincerely
Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)
In Memory of Gary ~ (Debra Estep)
June 5, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Gary, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
May 29, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Petty Officer 1st Class Rovinski!
August 17, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 29, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Petty Officer 1st Class Rovinski and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Daniel Collins
June 5, 2007
I got the honor to meet Gary while serving with him in IRAQ I'm know the world is dimmer place with out him here I miss you Gary thank you for giving your self unselfishly for our freedom
Thomas Peeler
June 5, 2007
Gary, a year has past, God bless you. Enjoy eternal peace.See you at McGoverns.
Brian Brovold
February 13, 2007
Dear Gary, I was with you that fateful day. I knew so little about you that I'm sad and embarassed I didn't know you as I should have. I know you were a role model and overcame such odds just to humbly serve. I also knew you were a man of god and surely you sit close to him today. I found your bible that day and know that it was you and god who protected the rest of us that day. My heart breaks just to remember but from what little I know about you I know you would want us to carry on and uphold that which was so dear to you. I hope I can measure up to the standards you quietely held up for all of us to see. Your presence will be felt always. May you dwell in the house of the lord always. Peace and love to you my shipmate.
Steve Hahm
January 1, 2007
My prayers go out to Gary's family. I also know that Gary is in heaven worshiping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Go Gary! I was recently told of Gary's news by a friend from Biola. Gary was my RD at Stewart Hall. We had some good talks prior to me going into the US Marines after graduating from Biola.
Dustin Ford
December 14, 2006
Gary your smile is truly missed at the rear door. You always had a smile and made sure to ask how everyone was. You were a truly awesome person. Thank you for sacraficing your life for our dear country. May god bless Jen and the girls.
C/O Ross D Ford #11913
Hill Correctional Center
Karen Gray
October 31, 2006
May the long time sun shine upon your spirit, Gary, and the eternal love in your heart guide our way on.
I had the extreme pleasure of serving with this man, who was not only a hero, but noble, kind, and the most selfless person I've ever met. He will be forever missed, and never forgotten.
PS3 Gray, NMCRC Rock Island, USN
Bruce Norquist
October 19, 2006
I am stunned and deeply grieved to hear of the loss of Gary. Gary hired me as an RD at Biola University. I was deeply touched by his strong faith, his unwavering perserverance, his bright personality, and his laughter. The position Gary hired me into was the beginning of my residence life career which continues through today. I am grateful for Gary's belief and investment in me. I remember Gary as a great man of faith. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Jen, and your two daughters.
Garnet Jenkins
September 7, 2006
I am Deeply saddened to learn of the recent loss of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski.
The price this Hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. May he rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Rovinski family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.
Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on...
And cherished memories never fade, Because a loved one's gone....
Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart....
For as long as there is memory, They will live on in the heart.
May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.
Softly and slowly....
Time heals...
Christina Levasheff
August 5, 2006
I am so grieved to hear of your loss. I met Gary at Biola University when I was an RA. Once I graduated, I applied to be an RD under Gary's supervision, and though I was just fresh out of college, Gary took a chance on me. His confidence in me and my abilities had a HUGE impact on my career path and I am so grateful for his role in my life. Gary was an honest, kind, hard-working man who I trusted. He desired to do what was right and best and wanted to honor God with his choices. I remember one of our themes for Residence Life one year sprung from his appreciation for the millitary--he was a TRUE PATRIOT and I am so grateful for the ultimate sacrifice he and so many others have made for us. Jen, I greive with you and your family! My deepest condolences.
Robert Schultz
July 5, 2006
My name is Robert Schultz, I first met Gary on a cold morning at the Illinois Department of Corrections Academy. Gary and I were talking about my high and tight hair cut because I had just gotten out of the Army. We developed a competitive relationship throughout the academy. My last email with Gary was in April in 2002, when I explained to him that I was going to go back on active duty, in the Army. Gary wrote me back quickly and said, God wiil take care of you and Gary told me to be careful. I lost touch with Gary while I was in Iraq in 2003. Gary touched my heart and to see him smile even when we were running through the streets of Springfield on a 10 degree morning made me smile. Gary was truly a great person, who held integrity and his love for people in his heart. I am sitting in my office at Fort Bragg looking at the picture of Gary, and wondering how a caring father, husband, and son could be taken from us. I am proud to have shared time with him and will never forget him.
CE 1 Larry (Tony) Tabita (NMCB 25)
June 27, 2006
My family and I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to Gary's family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
PS1(SW) Matt Nemmers
June 27, 2006
I knew Gary well while stationed at NMCRC Rock Island. He was a hard-charging patriot who represented everything great about the Navy and our country. My heart goes out to his family who have experienced such a tremendous loss.
Matt, Ann, Alec, and C.J. Rudolph
June 26, 2006
Mrs. Rovinski:
God Bless you and keep you!
Gary:
Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice!
"Rest Noble Spirit!"
Maggie Ryan
June 24, 2006
It is the quiet heroes like Gary that make us all proud to be Americans. May your memories bring you comfort and peace one day.
Kathy Klisavage
June 23, 2006
I was saddened to here the news of Gary's passing. Gary and I graduated from College Misericordia together, Class of 83. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's wife and daughters.
Lee Sirotnak
June 20, 2006
Please accept our condolences for your loss. Gary clearly had a profound impact on those who knew him, and also on those of us who did not know him, but are thankful for men and women of his caliber who are willing to serve and sacrifice. God Bless you and your family, that you find comfort in his memory, and peace.
Matt Smith
June 18, 2006
I have not spoken to Gary since high school, which was many years ago, but I am deeply saddened by his death.
My condolences to his family.
The world continues to be a better place thanks to your service to our nation Gary.
BU2 James E. T. Sperling
June 18, 2006
my deepest regret that gary is gone. but, above all else, this man, this father, this hero shall never be forgotten. i will cherish his memory and remember him for his smile. i am currently assigned and deployed to nmcb 25 and had the privilege of working and getting to know him. and i will miss him. he shall never be forgotten by the nmcb 25 family
Lynn Nash
June 18, 2006
Dear Family of Gary,
While I have already signed the guestbook on behalf of my family and my Seabee son, Jason, I need to let you know what just came via an e-mail. It was an e-mail from a LT in the USMC in Iraq. I thought I would share a quote "We also had a unit that traveled through our area after stopping for the night. One of the Sailors attended church here the night before he was killed. He was an on fire believer who radiated Jesus' love. There were two things he wanted to talk about: Jesus and his family. He left a wife and two little girls behind. We rejoice that he is now in heaven but we grieve for his family." Gary loved you and Jesus. May you continue to feel God's arms of love, comfort, and support. With love and prayers, Lynn
Cyndi Greer
June 17, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jodie Reeve
June 15, 2006
Dear Family and friends of Gary,
I would like to send my deepest sympathies for the loss of Gary. It is truly a tragedy. My fiance is serving in the 25th and before they left I had the priviledge of meeting Gary. Even though only meeting him briefly I remember his big smile and how he spoke of where he was from and his wife and children. I am glad to say I met him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Melissa Rovinski
June 15, 2006
Grandma, Dad, Aunts, Unlces, and Cousins,
I am very sorry for your loss. It was a terrible thing to have to say goodbye to Uncle Gary, but he is in a better place now. I will pray for you all to have strength to geth through all of this. I love you all. . . Melissa Marie
CAPT Jim Boernge, CEC, USN (ret)
June 15, 2006
My heart goes out to Gary's family in this difficult time of acceptance. I am ever greatful for his and your sacrafice for the freedoms he has helped to secure. I share in the grief of his loss. Former Commanding Officer NMCB-25 (1992-1994).
June 15, 2006
To Carmella Rovinski and family,
May God bless you and give you strength during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
“Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will support you; He will never let the righteous fall”. Psalm 55:22
To Gary,
You are a shining star who will never die. You made the world a better place and you are greatly loved. May you be forever in God’s presence, light and love. Thank you for our friendship and for you being Gary. Have fun in Heaven!
My love always,
Bonnie Bolinski-fellow artist (Kingston, PA)
[email protected]
June 14, 2006
To Carmella Rovinski and family,
May God bless you and give you strength during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
“Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will support you; He will never let the righteous fall”. Psalm 55:22
To Gary,
You are a shining star who will never die. You made the world a better place.and you are greatly loved. May you be forever in God’s presence, light and love. Thank you for our friendship and for you being Gary. Have fun in Heaven!
My love always,
Bonnie Bolinski-fellow artist (Kingston, PA)
[email protected]
Lynn Nash
June 14, 2006
My family sends you our deepest sympathy. May God comfort you and walk beside you as you go through this hard time. The gift of service that Gary gave our country is deeply appreciated. Praying for you, Lynn
Mary Ghaney
June 14, 2006
To the Rovinski Family, I am truly sorry for your loss of your Gary. Your Gary is a true American Hero. May God Bless you all and God Bless Gary.
Kathleen Doyle
June 14, 2006
I was so sorry to learn about Gary's passing. I have prayed for your family and will continue to do so. Jen, I don't know if you remember me from Biola, but I had worked for Gary for several years. What I remember most about Gary was his great sense of humor -- He was easy to laugh with.
I read your quote in one of local papers. You said that Gary died doing what he loved. Even during his time in higher education, it was obvious that he was dedicated to serving our country and I admire his courage to serve during such a difficult time.
Again I am so sorry for your loss and hope that you find a deep sense of God's comfort and presence in your life during this season.
Blessings,
Stacey Johnson
June 13, 2006
I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband is also with NMCB 25 and the news came as quite a blow to all of us. May God carry you through this difficult time. Thanks to all of you for your service and sacrifice.
LTJG Ray Mendez
June 13, 2006
I am deeply sorry for your loss; all the prayers from my family are with yours. I want to thank your family for there service to our country, since we know first hand on the commitment a deployment has on the entire family. For that I am grateful to all of you.
GM2 Flack
June 13, 2006
To the Rovinski family,my deepest sympathies go out to you.May Gary always be remembered as a great person and a hero.Rest in peace shipmate.For your last stand was a heroic one.Thank you Gary.
Donna Meixsell
June 13, 2006
Jennifer, CeCe, and Michaela - Even though I couldn't accompany Tony out to Illinois during this time, I want you to know my heart goes out to all of you. I only met you and Gary once, last July 4th. I saw a loving family that you don't see much anymore, at least around here. Hearing everyone speak about him at the Memorial Service for him at St. Jude was very moving. I know his brothers and sisters are very proud of him and you must be, too. I feel privileged to have met him; again my deepest sympathy.
Dave Aspling
June 12, 2006
I am sad to learn of the loss to your family. I was privileged to work under Gary as a Resident Assistant in the Stewart Hall Dormitory at Biola University. Gary always demonstrated extreme integrity, the heart of a servant, and quiet, humble leadership. He constantly cared more for others, especially his wife, than himself. Most importantly, he demonstrated the selfless love of the Lord Jesus Christ in the way in which he lived. Gary's impact on my college life and his impact on my freedom will not be forgotten.
Thank you to Gary's family for giving the ultimate sacrifice. May you feel the loving embrace of Jesus during this time.
Heidi Woodward
June 12, 2006
To the family of Gary Rovinski:
I would like to share my families heartfelt sympathy. I can only imagine the pain your family is going through right now. I can't say I know what you are going through, losing a husband, partner, and best friend, but I have lost a child. The feelings of loss, helplessness, and the hole in your heart will fade away, eventually. My family feels for yours. My brother is Andrew Hudson, he is in DET 25, and has known Gary since he joined the seabees. Andy has only had wonderful things to say about Gary. He, all the members of DET 25 and their families also have a huge hole in their hearts and are grieving with and for your family. Hold your head high, and know that your husband died for our freedom and will NOT be forgotten.
John Pulliam
June 12, 2006
To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski:
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the Galesburg community was stunned, with Gary's death coming so soon after that off Pfc. Caleb Lufkin.
I know from what I have read about Gary that both he and you, his loved ones, are very religious. I want you to know that I have said a prayer for Gary and your loss has been mentioned during our church services.
It says quite a bit about Gary that he was still serving in the Navy Reserves and was in Iraq at an age when most people would be satisfied to let our young people handle the burden.
He must have been a wonderful person and I only wish I would have had the chance to meet him. God bless all of you and may He somehow give you a sense of peace as you go through these difficult days.
I salute you, Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski. You are a hero to me and many others. Even though I never met you, a sadness fills my heart at your passing, but I know you are now with the Lord.
Anonymous
June 12, 2006
Thank you Gary.
Ronit Salomon
June 11, 2006
Dear Gary`s family,
It is so sad to read about your loss. We don`t know each other but the common feeling of loss is,unfortunatly,wellknown in our place.
As a person of a community and people which confront with sadess and bereavement so often, I can send from here our deep strengthening and hugs for you. BE STRONG ! May this sorrow will get to its end soon and we will all know better days. Love. Ronit Salomon, on behalf of Kibbutz Or Haner Community, Israel.
Peggy Musgrove
June 11, 2006
The moms from Adopt A Platoon will carry Gary in our hearts and keep him in our prayers.
Diana Rovinski
June 11, 2006
You will forever be in our hearts. We love you Gary,
Your Sister Inlaw, Diana
Angie Leitch
June 10, 2006
To the family of Gary-
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband is serving in Iraq, he is also in NMCB 25. I just wanted to let you know that my husband Norb spoke very highly of Gary. He said that he always had a smile on his face and always made it a point to come say hi to people and to my husband, and that he will greatly be missed by all of them! Please, also let his daughters know that we are all thinking of them, and that they should be very proud of their father. I also have 2 daughters, I cannot imagine how hard this is for all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God's blessings.
Joyce Lisiewski
June 10, 2006
My heart is very heavy on the loss of this American hero. All of us moms and dads at AdoptaPlatoon send our love and prayers to Gary Rovinski's loving family. May his memories be forever in your hearts.
Our friend, Judy Humenanski, has asked all of us for prayers to his dear family. May God comfort all of you.
Sandra Craig
June 9, 2006
Family of Gary Rovinski,
I am so sorry about your loss. I can not imagine the pain. My husband, John Craig, is currently serving in Iraq also; and was in the Navy Seabees with Gary. He talked of him frequently and considered him a good friend. John has had a hard time dealing with Gary's death; but is confident that we will see him again one day in Heaven. Gary did pay the ultimate sacrifice and will be honored and remembered for that. God just simply needed Gary with Him. my deepest condolences. I share in your loss, as John will mourn his death also. May God provide you with His grace and strength in the days and months to follow.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
June 9, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Rovinski family in the loss of Gary. I did not know Gary, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Gary you are a hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
June 9, 2006
To the Family of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski;
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
Cathie Murphy-Emholz
June 9, 2006
Paulette and family..
No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for good-bye. I hope that time will soften the pain until all that remains is the comfort of your memories.
Judy Humenanski - Bishop Hoban Class of 1979
June 9, 2006
Goodbye my friend. May you forever walk in the presence of the Lord and always be surrounded by His angels. You will forever be a hero. Rest in heavenly peace.
With deepest symapthies to the Rovinski family. As we mourn, we also remember . His smile as he walked the halls of Bishop Hoban will always be remembered in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and know that Gary will forever be in our hearts and remembered as a true hero.
Donna Marlow
June 9, 2006
May God give you peace as you mourn the loss of Gary. As I read articles and interviews about Gary, I imagine how the Lord is working in the hearts of many. Gary continues to spread the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. How amazing!
kathleen crofcheck
June 9, 2006
Please except my gratitude for which you family has made the ulitmate gift. Foever will this country be thankful. God Bless
Helen, Donna & Susan Nied
June 9, 2006
May it comfort you to know
that the one you love
is home with Jesus,
resting in His arms
in everlasting peace.
Pat Canfall
June 9, 2006
My condolences to the Rovinski family. Gary may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.
Paulette Joslin (Yermal)
June 9, 2006
May God's blessings get you through this time of sorrow and help ease the pain of you loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John Kelleher
June 9, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 8, 2006
Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of your fine Hero. May you be comforted by God's Grace.
Jami Edgecomb
Mother, Nyle Yates III, KIA 03/16/06
Patricia Perkins-Kard
June 8, 2006
To the family of 1st Class Gary Rovinski:
I can only imagine what you and your family have gone through since being notified of the death of Gary. I want you to know that you are not alone. Hearts of families all over are grieving with you.
You are living the nightmare of every family who has a loved one serving his country. I know this time is a difficult one in which no words can express how you feel, just as no words can express how much I feel for you and your family. But know that God above carried Gary home and said, "an awesome job - well done."
The path Gary chose to follow has not ended.
He now walks in a different place. Not one of war and heartache but one of happiness and eternal peace. His life will continue to touch your family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His life reflected his love for his family, his country, his military family and his compassion for those who do not know the meaning of freedom. His life is an inspiration and should be an example that we all follow and honor. Gary has not left you, he has been re-deployed to Heaven.
I wish that I could ease your pain and sadness, but it will be a long, slow and painful climb. Pain this deep will never go entirely away, but I pray that as each day that passes the hurt becomes a little less. And the memories of a lifetime will sustain you. The memories are your keepsake that can never be taken away. God has Gary in his keeping, but you have him forever in your thoughts and hearts.
I hope that this letter will help to begin the healing process, so that your memories of Gary will shine through the sadness. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
with Love & Concern from the proud mother of a US Marine
"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."
" He is like the wind. You can not see him...but you will always feel him"
Linda Flannery
June 8, 2006
God Bless Petty Officer 1st Class Rovinski
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
We appreciate his sacrifice, and share your sorrow. Words cannot ease your pain, but know that America honors Gary. My flag flies in his hornor and for all of our Servicemen and Servicewomen.
ROBYN GARSIDE
June 8, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
June 8, 2006
Rest in peace shipmate at your last port of call in paradise.
raymond !@julie masher
June 8, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
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