Gary Kuzara

Gary Kuzara

1954-04-21 2022-01-11
Gary was born April 21,1954 to Frank and Patricia Kuzara. Gary attended Bradley Elementary School from kindergarten through 3rd grade. After 3rd grade, his dad's business transferred him to Anaheim CA where Gary attended elementary school in 4th and 5th grade. He returned to Bradley Elementary in 6th grade, then went on to attend Thomas Jefferson JR/SR High school from 7th through 12th grade.

Gary loved sports and was a great athlete. During his senior year, he played basketball and baseball for the TJ Spartans. Before high school he played all sports. Gary went on to Western State College (now known as Western State University) where he became an All American in baseball and received a BA in exercise science and kinesiology.

After his graduation in 1976, he had numerous jobs until 1985 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force, (USAF). The Air Force enabled Gary to have a highly successful career with the Federal Government.

In June of 2020, Gary retired from Cape Kennedy where he served as Chief of Launch Mission Communications. He later moved to Mesquite NV.

Gary was a true outdoorsman and an avid fisherman. Gary was full of life and energy and a great friend. He will be missed by all.

On January 11,2022 Gary tragically passed away in his home after a shortness illness. He is survived by his wife Cindy, his son Frankie, and his sister Valerie.

Gary and I met in the Spring of 1972 when we were both with Varsity Track. Of course, Gary was on Boys and I was on Girls. We all would gather in South High School's West Stands while waiting for our races. He sincerely appreciated anyone who supported Baseball, Track, and Basketball Spartan Teams. Wish I had the chance to know Gary better. Your fellow Track Star, (Haha) Jan

tribute by Jan Ellen Kinney

We all enjoyed watching you play on TJ Varsity Baseball with Scott, Ronnie, Bob, Steve, Bob & Dave, Billy, Jimmy. Nice memories my friend.

tribute by Sandy Bither Fitzgerald

Bill Howell wrote the tribute on the main page. Sandy Fitzgerald sent the actual obituary to me. I decided to leave Bill's writeup on the main page and put the obituary here as a tribute. Bob McIntyre Gary Ray Kuzara, age 67, died Tuesday, January 11, 2022 in Mesquite, Nevada. He was born April 21, 1954 in Denver, Colorado to Frank Allen and Marie Patricia Peduzzi Kuzara. On October 21, 1997 he married Cindy Lee Capps in Ogden, Utah. Gary grew up in Colorado and California. His family returned to Denver where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. After graduation, Gary continued on to Western State University, on a baseball scholarship, while obtaining his degree in Hospital Administration. He graduated from Western State in 1976. He enjoyed a 31-year career in the US Air Force, then used those skills to transition into a civilian job working in telecommunications at Cape Canaveral AFB, Florida. Gary was very proud of his outstanding record of 249 consecutive launches without a scrub due to communications. He retired to Mesquite in 2021. Gary had many hobbies including fishing, grilling, playing the guitar and listening to and singing along with music. He had an insatiable love for baseball, especially the years he was able to coach his son in Little League. Survivors include his wife, Cindy; son, Frankie, both of Mesquite, NV; one sister, Valerie (Michael) McGowan of Port Orchard, WA.

tribute by Bob McIntyre for Sandy Bither-Fitzgerald

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