Gallaudet

Carolynn Stoner Gallaudet passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love for her family, steadfast belief in the values she held dear, and a profound devotion to the United States of America.

Carolynn was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 6, 1935. She was educated at the Marlborough School for Girls, an experience that helped shape her intellect, confidence, and lifelong sense of purpose.

She worked in the film and television industry, contributing to one of America's most iconic television programs, Gunsmoke. Her work reflected a strong work ethic and pride in being part of a show that became a lasting chapter in American cultural history.

A devoted wife and mother, Carolynn dedicated her life to raising four sons, all of who proudly served in the US Armed Forces, and a role she embraced with strength, resilience, and unwavering love. She was the heart of her family - steady, nurturing, and fiercely supportive.

Carolynn was a proud and devoted patriot who loved her country deeply and believed wholeheartedly in the freedoms and ideals of the United States of America. She held profound respect for the flag and unwavering admiration for those who serve. She was a devoted and outspoken supporter of the United States Military, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of America's service members and veterans, and remaining deeply grateful for the liberties secured by their service.

Her patriotism was lived daily - through loyalty, gratitude, and reverence for freedom and sacrifice. She believed in honoring those who serve, remembering those who gave all, and standing firmly for the principles that define the nation she loved.

Above all else, Carolynn valued family, country, and the enduring bonds that unite generations. She lived with strength, dignity, and grace, and her presence brought comfort and reassurance to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the values she instilled, and the love she gave so freely.

John Calvin Gallaudet left this world peacefully in his sleep on February 7, 2026, in Edgewater, Maryland. He was born on October 22, 1935, in New York.

Upon his family's relocating to Los Angeles, John attended the Harvard School for Boys before enrolling in the University of California, Los Angeles. He transferred to the University of Southern California where he earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in business.

John entered the U.S. Navy's Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island and was commissioned an Ensign. His first assignment was as the Air Intelligence Officer for Heavy Attack Squadron Two (VAH-2), an A-3D Skywarrior squadron based in Whidbey Island, Washington. One of his squadron mates was future astronaut Lieutenant Ed Mitchell.

John deployed with VAH-2 to the Western Pacific on the USS Bonhomme Richard (CVA-31) where he earned his Naval Fight Officer's "wings of gold." Upon returning from that deployment, John renewed his relationship with Carolynn Cole, marrying her in 1964. Because they wanted to start a family, John transferred his commission to the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he served for over two decades, eventually reaching the rank of Captain.

John and Carolynn lived in the Los Angeles region through the early 1990's, raising four sons, John, Tim, Mark, and Chris, who all competed in swimming and then served in various branches of the U.S. military. John supported his family with a successful career in business, conducting sales for a variety of companies including IBM.

One of John's passions was being a "swim dad," carting his sons to early morning swim workouts and weekend meets. Upset by his famous actor father's inattention during his youth, John was tireless in providing his boys support, encouragement, and when needed, tough love.

In the early 1990's, John and Carolynn relocated to Annapolis, Maryland, where they dived into the region's U.S. Naval Academy community. For over 20 years, they sponsored Midshipman and enjoyed attending their various sporting events. John befriended many Academy coaches and athletes, as well as alumni in the area.

After Carolynn's passing in 2023, John relocated to Brightview Senior Living in Edgewater, Maryland. He was a favorite among the caregivers there, as he retained the jovial sense of humor he was known for by all his friends and family.

John and Carolynn are survived by their sons John Andrew Gallaudet, the Honorable Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret.), Mark Ashley Gallaudet, and his grandchildren Laurel Marie Gallaudet, Midshipman 3/c Aspen Helena Gallaudet, Cedar Ruth Gallaudet, and Cole Harrison Gallaudet.

John and Carolynn were preceded in death by their son Christian Stoner Gallaudet, whose memory they carried always, and by their beloved grandson Maxfield Abrantes Gallaudet, a loss they bore with quiet grace and enduring love.

John and Carolynn will be deeply missed, proudly remembered, and forever honored.