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At random: George Washington Endorsed the use of the first American submarine, David Bushnell's TURTLE, during the Revolution. Following the vessel's attack on a British man-of-war, he discussed the potential use of submarines in a letter to Thomas Jefferson.

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Coyote

Posted 2026-03-21 12:03 PM (#105998)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1409

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Saturday Obits

https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/

The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.

I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.

This one hurts a little. Mike (below) came aboard RAY PCU as a seaman. He did his duties as a non-rated person, then struck for Sonar Technician, made STS3 and wound up in my gang on USS RAY (SSN653). He was competent in watch-standing and did what maintenance he could without electronics training. A good shipmate. RIP, Mike

VITUSZINSKI .. .. .. Michael A. Vituszynski, age 80, of Lebanon, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He left this world peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving wife of 59 years, and devoted family. Michael was born on March 14, 1946 in Fredericksburg, PA, to Zigmund and Florence (Althouse) Vituszynski. He was a 1964 graduate of South Lebanon High School where he lettered in band and baseball. After high school and additional certification at Chicago Technical College, Michael started a long career as a steelworker for the iconic Bethlehem Steel. Michael also worked as a school bus driver for many years, affectionately earning the nickname "Mr. Mike." Michael was a "Mike of all trades," and he will be remembered for his passion for a great many and varied interests. Michael loved baseball and basketball, both coaching and playing. He was a man of quiet faith, reflected in his zeal for the great outdoors. He loved deer hunting and fishing, and as an adoring "girl dad," he was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of the USA. One might not guess it but Michael was also a sage poet and songwriter in his spare time, drawing inspiration from life. Michael also proudly served in the United States Navy as a Sonar Technician, being a crew member of the USS RAY 653, during the Vietnam War, from 1966 to 1969. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Diana Vituszynski (Raiger); and daughters Beth Zohner and Sarah (Eric) Smith; he was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Laura M. (Bill) Donmoyer. He is also survived by grandchildren Zachary Donmoyer, Nicholas Donmoyer, David Donmoyer, Tyler Zohner, twins Joshua and Jayson Bowman, Coryn Foster, Hailee Smith, and Michaela Smith; great-grandchildren Caleb Timothy, Anya, Leo, Chloe, Joseph, Asher, Karson, Mariella, Knoxx, "Elly," Caleb, and Ace, plus two more on the way; siblings Larry (Sue) Vituszynski and Rose Marie Vituszynski; and dozens of nieces and nephews. Michael was also predeceased by grandchildren Timothy Zohner, II and Austan Smith; and a brother, William Vituszynski. The service with military honors for Mr. Michael Vituszynski will be held at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Christman's Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., with the visitation hour to begin at 10:00 AM. Services are to be livestreamed.

MOTTARD .. .. .. Patrick Robert “Pat” Mottard Patrick Robert “Pat” Mottard, died on June 14, 2019 in Santa Rosa. He was born in Carney, Michigan in 1939 to Joseph and Amelia Mottard. Pat spent his early years on a farm in Upper Michigan. He joined the United States Navy and was proud to be a member of the submarine forces. His last tour of duty was as Recruiter in charge of both the Santa Rosa and Petaluma offices. After retirement, he attended Sonoma State University where he was an active member of the SSU Athletic Board. After graduating with his BA from Sonoma State, he started North Bay Water Systems, which he ran successfully until health issues forced him to retire.
Pat was a member of the choir at Resurrection Parish, which he and his wife, Sandy, attended for 20 years. Pat was proud of his involvement with service organizations, especially Penngrove Social Fireman, and Montgomery Village Lions, where he held several offices including president, and received the Melvin Jones Award for Service.
Pat was preceded in death by brothers, Henry, Robert, Clemens, Earl, Danny (Jenkins) and sister Marion Poisson Jenkins. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra (Kneisler); son, Kenneth (Stephanie) of Camarillo; daughter, Amy and granddaughter Kathryn Mottard, both of Santa Rosa; grandson Allen of Portland, OR; sisters, Vivan Krumel of Pensacola, FL, and Donna Bellefeuil (John) of Hermansville, MI; sisters in law, Deborah Beebe of Santa Rosa, Kay Kneisler of San Angelo, TX, and a large extended family.

BUXMAN .. .. .. Brex Walker Buxman, beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend, passed away on March 16, 2026, at the age of 20.
Born on May 9, 2005, Brex was the youngest of the four children of Ron and Trish Buxman. From an early age, he showed a remarkable drive, strength, and determination that shaped the young man he became. His commitment to excellence extended into martial arts, where he earned his junior blackbelt in karate, and into athletics, where he achieved distinction as a two-time Colorado class 3A State Champion in track. Brex was an avid weightlifter who approached every challenge with discipline and resilience. Brex's weightlifting was his true passion.
Brex had a deep and abiding love for God and sought to live his life in a way that reflected his faith. He looked to his Savior as an example, striving to show kindness, humility, and compassion in his daily life. His beliefs were a quiet but steady guiding force, influencing how he treated others and how he faced both challenges and opportunities.
Brex also proudly served his country, spending a year in the United States Navy. During his service, he completed Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS), Basic Submarine Damage Control school, Submarine Basic Fire Fighting School, Submarine Escape School, TCNO, and STS "A" School. As a part of his submarine training-an accomplishment that reflected his courage, dedication, and willingness to push beyond limits.
Above all, Brex will be remembered as a quiet gentle giant, for his strength of character, his determination, and the love he shared with those around him. He brought energy, dedication, and passion into everything he pursued, leaving a lasting impression on family, friends, and all who knew him.
Brex is preceded in death by his father Ronald Buxman, Grandparents Harold and Doris Buxman & "Papa Greg" Sanns, He is survived by his loving mother, Trish Tippetts; his "Nana," Carolynn Sanns; his "Papa Mike" Kerr; and his grandmother, Christy Kerr; brother Brock & Megan Buxman, his nephews Winston and Warren Buxman; sister Brenna Buxman; brother & best friend Braycen & Chloe Buxman; his stepfather, Matt Tippetts; and his step-siblings Jacob, Hailey, Bryce, and Caleb Tippetts.
Brex's life, though far too short, was filled with purpose, strength, and love. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

FINCK .. .. .. Glenn Finck, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
Glenn was born on October 4, 1948, in Mandan, North Dakota, to Glenn Sr. and Monika (Boehm) Finck. He was raised in Mandan and graduated from Mandan High School in 1966.
On October 3, 1966, Glenn entered the United States Navy, where he served as an Electrical Repairman. He was stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Groton, Connecticut, and served aboard the USS Tigrone. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. His time in the Navy took him around the world, exposing him to new cultures and unforgettable experiences—among them, Sydney, Australia, which he often described as the most beautiful city he had ever seen. Glenn was honorably discharged from active duty on October 3, 1969, and continued serving in the Naval Reserve until June 7, 1972.
On December 26, 1970, Glenn married the love of his life, Gloria (Udell). Together, they built a life centered on family, raising three children—Bob, Mary, and Glenn III “Gipper.” Their weekends were often spent camping and fishing, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.
Glenn had a successful career with the telephone company, Qwest Communications, where he retired as a Second Level Engineer. Retirement, however, did not slow him down. For 14 summers, through the 2025 season, Glenn served as a Park Ranger at Graner Park in Mandan—a role that perfectly reflected his dependable, service-oriented nature. He took great pride in the campground and truly cared about every person who passed through it. With his warm smile, humor, and kind heart, Glenn had a special way of making everyone feel welcome.
He also proudly served for many years as a member of the Honor Guard, participating in military burial services at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
For the past 16 winters, Glenn and Gloria made their home in Mesa, Arizona, at the Fountain of the Sun community—a place Glenn embraced as a true neighborhood. There, he remained active and engaged, serving as President of the Pickleball Club, a board member for several years, and Vice President of the Bocce Ball Club. He found great joy in playing, teaching newcomers, and fostering a strong sense of community. His service extended beyond recreation, as he was also active in the Veterans Group, Citizens Service Club, Lions Club Fly the Flag Program, and more.
Whether at Graner Park or in Mesa, Glenn was easy to spot in his signature chartreuse wardrobe—just one of the many ways he left a lasting impression.
Throughout his life, Glenn enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, playing and coaching softball, pickleball, bocce ball, and, most of all, spending time with friends and family. His greatest joy was his wife of 55 years, Gloria, along with their children, grandchildren, and beloved dogs.
Glenn faced his nearly 10-year battle with cancer with unwavering strength and optimism. He never complained, enduring treatments with quiet resilience. He was truly a warrior and a hero to those who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Monika Finck; infant brother, John Thomas Finck; father- and mother-in-law, Art and Mary Udell; and his brother-in-law, Ed Mahoney.
Glenn is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Finck; three children, Bob Finck, Mary (Shawn) Cooper, and Glenn “Gipper” Finck III; five grandchildren, Brodee Finck, Josh (Lexus) Cooper, Madison Cooper, Elise Dodds, and Amara Dodds; his siblings, Elmer (LaVonne) Finck, his twin sister Gladys Mahoney, Julia (Don) Burgess, John (Theresa) Finck, and Pete (Nancy) Finck.

CURLEY .. .. .. Robert James Curley, 76, passed away on February 14th in Healdsburg, California. Bob was born July 9, 1941 in Canton, Ohio. After graduating from Goshen High School where he was president of his high school class, he joined the US Navy at the age of seventeen where he attended language school in Monterey, California, becoming proficient as a Russian translator. Stationed in Japan, Bob developed an intense interest in their culture that continued throughout his lifetime. Part of his service during this period was aboard the USS Sargo, an atomic submarine. He served honorably and was discharged in 1962. Bob went on to complete his education at San Francisco State University. He worked for many years at Blake, Moffett & Towne in San Francisco where he was one of their top sales representatives, earning many awards. Bob was preceded in death by his partner, Bill Alin of San Francisco. He is survived by his longtime friends, Curtis Thomson and Sonny Childers, both of Sonoma County, his brothers Donald Trummer of Washingtonville, Ohio and Patrick Curley of North Lawrence, Ohio, a sister, Francis Curley from Port Charlotte, Florida and nieces, Diane Griffith of Pacifica California and Marlene Shapira of Half Moon Bay, California. In addition to his wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor, Bob’s life was filled with generosity, kindness and love for others. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

DIEPENHORST .. .. .. Captain Gary Lee Diepenhorst, beloved father and friend, peacefully passed away at his home at the age of 84 on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Gary was born and raised in Saugatuck, MI and graduated from Saugatuck High School.
Gary served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1963 as a submariner and Navy diver, volunteering for the Underwater Demolition Teams. An adventurous spirit, he also competed in rodeos, excelling in bronc and bull riding as well as calf roping.
As captain on the Great Lakes, Gary helmed tugboats and commercial fishing vessels, proudly upholding his familys heritage in commercial fishing. An avid sportsman, he cherished fishing, hunting, and trap shooting.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ester and Charlie; sister Anne; brothers David and John; and his son Scott Wicks. He is survived by sons David, Michael Diepenhorst, and Sean OBrien.

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