This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JW.2ADE/7970.1 Message Board Post: Daily Independent newspaper Ridgecrest CA Kern County May 3, 2005 Third obit JOHN EUGENE HAMATY 1947-2005 Ridgecrest resident John Eugene Hamaty passed away Sunday, April 3, 2005. He was 57. A rosary was said for him at the Holland & Lyons Chapel on Thursday, April 7, and a beautiful memorial service on Friday April 8, in which the US Navy played "Taps." Mr. Hamarty was born Aug. 4, 1947 in Boston, Mass. He moved to Westwood, Mass. with Aunt Helen Kalil and family where he graduated from Westwood High School. He spent many fun summers and weekends in Atkinson, N.H. on Big Island Pond. He joined the US Navy in 1967 and was stationed at the China Lake Naval Base. He started working for the government in 1980 where he became project manager to the "Sidewinder Project." His family says this about him: "John, Dad, Grandpa John, he was loved by all who knew him. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was with honesty and sincerity. Anyone having the privilege to know him could see the care in his eyes and the love in his heart. John's relaxation was fast pitch softball. He created, coached and pitched for his team, the Gamecocks. He led them to two national championships during his 25 year legacy. The friendships he formed during that time will last forever which was evident by the show of support from friends and family after his passing. "He loved sitting at home, watching the Red Sox, Celtics and the Cowboys. although nothing compared to the time he spent with his grandchildren. The sun rose and set with them. Whether he drove 3 hours or 3 blocks to see Anthony play T-ball, he would do anything for them. We will always miss you and never forget the great times we had. We love you very much." He was preceded in death by his grandmother Wadea Tawa, father Eugene Hamaty and mother Margie Tawa, stepmother Ann Hamaty, uncle Larry Zannino, aunt Mary Tawa-Gallozzi and uncle Eddie Gallozzi and uncle George Kalil Sr. He is survived by his wife of 15 years Maria Hamaty, daughter and son-in-law Gina and Jay Skaggs of Hanford, daughter Michelle Lehman of Huntington Beach, son and daughter-in-law David and Chrissy Lara of Ridgecrest, son and daughter-in-law Any and Michel Lara of Ridgecrest, grandchildren Cody, Anthony, Vidtor, and Mackenzie, sister and brother-in-law Stephanie Hamaty-Fischer of Lee, N.H., aunt Helen and cousins Terry, Jared, Georgie, Jordan, Barbara, Tony, Bobby, Mackenzie and Stuart Kalil of Atkinson, N.H., aunt Izzy and cousins Karen, Lorraine, Janie, Joey, Illario, Giavanna, Isabella and Santino Zannino of Swampscott, Mass., cousins Frankie, Estelle and Lauren Gallozzi of Norfolk, Mass., and many cousins and extended family. A fund is being set up in John's name for any donations. For more information please contact Michelle Lehman. Media information provided by the family.