Gary Michael Carozza

Gary Carozza was born on June 17, 1948, to Ann and Michael Carozza in San Jose, California. He passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2009, at home with his family by his side after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. As a child, Gary's family moved to Fresno in 1958, where he graduated from Hoover High School in 1966, and enrolled at Fresno State College that same year. In college, he was interested in both the arts and sciences and ultimately graduated with a double major in photography and biology. Gary joined the U.S. Naval Reserves in the late 1960's and served his two years of active duty in Yokosuka, Japan during the Vietnam War. Gary met his future wife Pam when she transferred to Hoover High School in 1965 end they later married and settled in Fresno. Following a brief return to Fresno State to acquire a post-graduate certificate in environmental health, Gary began his career as a Sanitarian for Fresno County in the mid-1970's. He later became Director of Environmental Health and ultimately Director of Community Health with responsibility for services such as environmental health, public health and emergency response. During those years, he also earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco, and the respect of many for his efforts to insure the delivery of quality services to Fresno County residents. While Gary pursued a career in the scientific-health care field, he also maintained an intense commitment to the game of golf that had begun around the age of thirteen and finally included playing on three continents as well as numerous championship courses. He was proud to claim, however briefly, a handicap of four. Upon retirement, Gary enjoyed traveling with family and friends, but when he was home, most mornings were spent at the golf course with like-minded friends in pursuit of that little white ball and a perfect round of golf. Gary was a devoted family man who loved watching his family grow to include a new sonin-law when his daughter married in 2004. He also greeted his first grandchild as she came into this world and watched her turn one year old this June. He was a man true to his ideals of loyalty, honesty and integrity, loved by his family and friends, and a gentleman who will be greatly missed by those who were touched by his tremendous spirit. The family wishes to thank Dr. Thomas Hackett and all the nurses and staff who work at the Cancer Center with him, and to Hinds Hospice for their care and support during Gary's illness. Gary was preceded in death by his mother Ann and his father Mike. He is survived by his wife Pam; his daughter Meghan Tori and her husband Ali ; his granddaughter Alara; his sister, Janet Carozza; and his mother-in-law, Jean Leedy. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Gary's Life to be held at the Riverbend Golf Club, 43369 Avenue 12 in Madera County on Thursday, September 3, 2009, at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA 1154 West Shaw Avenue Fresno, California (559)222-7764