Gary Thomas Meagher

Gary Thomas Meagher, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in Santa Rosa, California on June 9, 2025. A proud patriot and a man of deep faith, Gary lived a life defined by service.

Born on July 24, 1930, in San Francisco, California to Thomas Meagher and Carmel Meagher (née Hubbard). The family moved to Santa Rosa where he attended Santa Rosa High School and Santa Rosa JC.

He entered the United States Army in1953. He served honorably as a multi-aircraft pilot. He was stationed in Korea for a year and later served two tours of duty in Vietnam, mostly flying helicopters with the 25th Infantry Division. Gary was Inspector General and commander of Crissy Field, at the Presidio in San Francisco, during his final years of military service. He retired in 1974, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His bravery and sense of duty were recognized with numerous commendations, most notably the Soldier’s Medal, awarded for heroism when he rescued an injured man from a burning vehicle.

After retirement, he dabbled in real estate, and, with a few partners, he opened and operated a family style restaurant in Petaluma called “The Hungry Bear.”

Gary was an active member of the Catholic Church. He served for decades in the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Military Officers Association of America. He especially enjoyed working with both groups to put on some amazing calamari, crab, BBQ chicken and other annual feeds, picnics, and pancake breakfasts.

Gary is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary (née Whelan). In their 62 years together, they raised five children: daughters Laurie (Mark), Eileen (Brad), and Glynn (Cory); and sons, Keith, and Michael. His grandchildren: Rebecca, Sarah, Patrick, Thomas, Elizabeth, Kathleen, Rosemary, and Christopher; and great-grandchildren: June, Ezra, Sam, and Ben were the joy of his later years.

Gary had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Family visits were marked by the smell of bacon or garlic in the kitchen, a well-stocked snack drawer, and the sound of a joke ready to land. He loved barbershop quartet and musical theatre and passed down that love to his family.

He was a loyal 49’s fan, a pancake master, and a constant presence at his children’s events.

Gary was knowledgeable about the local history of Sonoma County. If you were fortunate enough to be visiting him and Mary, you were treated to a grand tour of the area!

Gary will be remembered as a man of steadfast faith, fierce loyalty, honesty, and great humor. He gave his life to something bigger than himself.

A funeral Mass will be held at Calvary Cemetery, in Madelyne's Chapel on June 26th, at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Knights of Columbus or your local Veterans organization.

Rest in peace, Dad/Papa. We love you.

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