It is with regret we announce the passing of Col. (Ret.) John Michael “Mike” Gamino, US Army, age 81, of Fayetteville, TN. Mike was born on November 11, 1938 in Bartlesville, OK, to the late Antonio Salvatore “Tony” and Margaret Irene LaPrad Gamino. Mr. Gamino passed away peacefully on June 5, 2020, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN, surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara “Bonnie” Gamino of Fayetteville; daughter, Judy Gamino Quinn (husband, Kevin) of El Paso, TX; William “Tony” Gamino (Husband, Ryan) of New York, NY; Sean M. Gamino (wife, Nadene) of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Lance Quinn (wife, Mariekie) of Ojai, CA, Sean Quinn (wife, Elly) of Santa Clarita, CA, Magen Gamino of Huntsville and Kylie Gamino of Huntsville; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gamino was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Marie Schafers.
Mike graduated from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, attaining a BS in Engineering and graduated from American University, Washington, DC attaining a MBA. He received his Commission as a 2nd LT in the US Army in 1961. Recipient of many awards including the Legion of Merit (2d Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal (2d Oak Leaf Cluster). Mr. Gamino attended Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth, KS and Naval War College, Newport, RI. He retired as a Colonel after a distinguished 30 year Army career in 1991 serving two tours in Vietnam. Mike attended St. Anthony Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and acted as a treasurer, reader, and a server for the church.
A memorial service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Higgins Funeral Home, with military honors. Visitation with the family will be from 11 AM until 12 PM on Saturday at Higgins.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 in memory of Mr. Gamino.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Col. (Ret.) John Michael “Mike” Gamino, US Army.
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In accordance with State of Tennessee Executive Order No. 38 by Governor Bill Lee, social gatherings are limited to no more than 50 participants. For your safety we recommend face coverings, 6 feet social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and remaining home if you feel sick. The family invites you to share memories at higginsfh.com.
I love you Bonnie. Pam and I are praying for you.
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Judy,
Norman, Connie and Norma Chavez thank your father for his service to our country and offer prayers for your loving father Colonel John Michael “Mike” Gamino. We also offer our support, prayers and love to you Judy and your beloved Mother. May the peace of our Lord surpass all understanding and may the memories help carry you forward. God bless his soul.
Bonnie…Suzanna and I love you and Mike and you are in our prayers in this time of sadness. There is no right way to go on this journey of grief. We can only go about this in our own way, with the help of our loved ones and God’s Grace.
When we think of Mike, this verse comes to mind from 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
Bonnie ,
So sorry for your loss. Wish I could ease you pain. May God bless and be with you during the days ahead.
Bonnie, my condolences to you and your family. We will all miss Mike so much. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie, so sad and very sorry to hear about Mike.
Prayers for you and your family and love
We will all miss Mike at Church and in our community.
I’ve served with Mike in the Finance Board and as a counter. He was devoted to the church and always took an interest in our community. He will truly be missed.
Dear Bonnie, we are so heartbroken to hear the sad news about Mikes passing, you both have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Jean, Jerry Benson and family
Bonnie. I am so sad to hear about Mike’s passing. He will be missed so much by his family and Saint Anthony’s church family.
Love, Martha Wolf.
Words can never express how much we loved Mike and Bonnie. We are so sadden and will miss him so much. A truly good and kind friend.
To his church family he was Mike. To his military family he was John. Either way he was loved and respected. If you had a project, Mike was the man to head it up and get it completed. Rest assured he will be keeping an eye on the Parish Hall construction.
John and I send our deepest condolences to Bonnie, Judy, Tony, Sean and the other family members.