Michael Gualandi, 70, of Leesburg, FL, died on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014.
Funeral services including Masonic services were held Oct. 10, at Beyers Funeral Home in Leesburg, FL, with a committal service including military honors following at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
Mr. Gualandi was born on Sept. 20, 1944, in Hillsboro, the youngest son of Gino and Mary (Rooney) Gualandi and only child of nine born in a hospital. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in East Chicago in January 1963 after only 3-1/2 years.
He attended Purdue University briefly before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving four years stationed on the USS Independence and finished as a 2nd Class Electricians Mate on the USS Chara.
After his enlistment he took a position at Electric Boat Corp. in Groton, CT, where he eventually retired with 32 years of service and as the chief of facilities. While working at Electric Boat, he studied and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven.
Mr. Gualandi was a member of many clubs and organizations including Coastal Lodge # 57 A. F. & A. M., Stonington, CT; O.E.S. Fidelity Chapter #54 Niantic, CT; Fleet Reserve Branch #20 Groton, CT; American Legion Post # 2014 Lady Lake, FL; and VFW Post #189 New London, CT.
A loving husband, father and brother, he was also an avid softball player for Spanish Village and Hawthorne in Leesburg and served as the Chairman of the Lakes League for 12 years. Additionally he was a member of the Spanish Village 8 ball league.
Mr. Gualandi is survived by his wife of 46 years Patricia; four children, Kimberly (Kevin) McBride, Tammy (Steven) Camerino, Michael C. (Nicole) Gualandi, Mark (Michelle) Gualandi; and seven grandchildren: Sean and Erin McBride, Adam Camerino, Kiernan, Paige, Marin and Gino Gualandi, whom he called the joys of his life; three sisters, Rosemary Weller, Darlene Andre, and Shirley Jovas.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Gino Jr., Joseph Souab and John Jack Gualandi; and two siblings at birth, Mary Jane and Paul.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Papa's Peeps (Relay For Life).
Online condolences may be left at http://leesburg.beyersfuneralhomeandcrematory.com/tribute/details/5228/Michael_Gualandi/obituary.html#tribute-start.
