January 31, 1983 – August 10, 2013
SSFFD grieves the lost of one of our own
Today with very heavy hearts, firefighters from throughout the bay area arrived to say good bye to one of their own. On August 10, South City firefighter Gary Patzelt made his last call, and left us way too soon.
Services were held at Mater Dolorosa Church and officiated by Father Roland. A funeral procession of fire trucks brought Gary to his resting place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
A South City native, Gary was well known and will be missed by all in his home town. Words shared on the program as shown below, speak of this gentle soul.
Blessings on you Gary, Rest in Peace.
One of Gary’s greatest passions was supporting Champ Camp through the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be welcome at:
Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation
2601 Mission St. #401
San Francisco, CA 94110
still in my heart, buddy
Still havent forgot you– brother
We miss you so much Hollywood! I still wish I hadn’t gone to NYC and instead gone on the Outdoors trip, I went on the fire truck relay last year. At your station I almost cried. Sometimes campers will ask where’s Hollywood, and you’re greatly missed at Champ Camp! RIP
I miss you around here . I was sitting around the firehouse today, and came accross some stuff you gave me, and had some memories of “stuff” we went through. I love the pic of you in your gear. That was the day I couldnt get the stupid wood to light in the tower. It was funny though, cause you were so excited to just be training with real fire.
Thanks for being so positive and fearless. You were amazing in San Bruno and an unbelievable Paramedic. You made all of us older medics proud.
Jeff Whitaker
[…] pain. You want to help their pain. On Monday we buried one of our own firefighters, 30 year old GARY PATZELT, whose passion included helping burn injured, especially the […]
My dear Gary. You were such a constant source of motivation for me always. Throughout the years our friendship never waivered and I could always count on you and you on me when the time arose. I will miss our talks, our “kick your ass in gear” lectures that you were so good at. We did it Gary, we set out to do and become who we wanted, and we held eachother up every step of the way. I am SO Proud of you. I promise to continue to make you proud and push forward with all our hopes and dreams. You will be with me in mine always. I love you.
Rest in peace brother..
Editor Note:
There was an outpouring of love from over 150 people for Gary on our facebook page and we would like to share some of the comments here:
Sharon Kay Gustilo Meyer So young May his soul find it’s place in heaven and may God continue to hold his family and friends in his most loving embrace. My deepest condolences to his family, including those who call him brother, and to his friends. RIP.
Cathy Dunleavy Rosaia I was so proud of our city for the dignity, respect and brotherhood shown to Gary and his family today as he was honored, prayed for, and laid to rest in a moving Mass and Firefighters’s funeral. As the daughter of a late SSF firefighter, I know you made the Old Guard very proud. RIP, sweet Gary.
Rebecca Payne Henry I will always love you Gary
Eduardo Sanchez When I was practicing at south city and I hurt my legs he was the first one there to help me with the rest of his squad . He also played football with my brother very respectful person you will be missed R.I.P Gary
Dominic Javellana Godspeed.
Nancy Monaghan My thoughts and prayers go with you..
Nicholas A. Vejmola May Lord Jesus Christ be with you, your family, and your friends. RIP Gary Patzelt.
Kathy Lobos Deepest Sympathy to his Family.. RIP Gary
Ana Gonzales Schwefel I still can’t believe he is gone. …. knew him since middle school … still in shock. .. my condolences to his family and friends and to everyone back in South City I’m thinking of you all today. … big hug and love sent from San Antonio Tx…. Sleep with the angels Gary. …
Geraldine Lara RIP GARY my prayers go out to your family, fiends and co-workers at the SSF firestation
Jacqueline Samsel RIP and am sure my brother and Vinnie are watching over you.
Elisa Nunez RIP Gary soo sad to hear this . God be with you and your family .
Scott Poggenburg
Dennis Meloni R.I.P. Gary, And may God bless you all ways, and your family too.
Terry Baillargeon May all those who have shared Gary’s life be thankful for his presence in their lives for all too short of a time. May the sorrow of his passing rise from despair and join together to strengthen the bonds of family and friends. May God bless all who knew him as his spirit renders never ending memories and a closer walk with the Master of the Universe.
The members of the Horseshoe Bend Fire District Idaho are very sorry for your loss,my Gary Rest in Peace.