John B Gustaitis

John B. Gustaitis (SFC US Army Retired), 84, of El Paso, Texas, passed away Tuesday February 15, 2011. He was born October 31, 1926, in Scranton, Pennsylvania to the late Bartholomew “Barney” and Petrone Zabelskis Gustaitis. He became affectionately known as “Gus” to close friends and family. He involved himself in the community; joining the Senior Garden Club, Knights of Columbus #638 and was an active member of the Catholic Church. He sought out to serve his country when, in 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and later continued his military career when he joined the U.S. Army. He was a Korean and Vietnam Era Veteran. He was preceded in death by his brother, Casimir Gustaitis and sister, Adele Noreika. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Wilma Merhle Gustaitis; sister, Albina Gustaitis of Scranton, Pennsylvania; three children, John B. (Kay) Gustaitis of Arlington, Texas, Jerome P. (Felicia) Gustaitis and Barbara Carvajal of El Paso, Texas; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at St. Michaels Catholic Church (Chapel #2) located at Fort Bliss, Texas. A Committal Service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. The family would like to especially thank the staff at William Beaumont Army Medical Center (Ward 7E) and to the warmth and care that the Hospice of El Paso provided. Please make donations in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of El Paso in his memory.