Gary Joe Vasquez

Gary Joe Vasquez, 70, passed away peacefully from this earth on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He was born on December 11, 1954 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston to Lupe and Alex Vasquez. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Vasquez; his parents Lupe and Alex Vasquez; his grandparents Braulia and Mateo Lopez and Julia and Tereso Vasquez. 

Gary is survived by his sister Theresa Vasquez of Galveston; niece, Victoria Weade of Henrico, VA; nephew,  Kevin Weade of Staunton, VA; step-daughter, Angie Imerito of Texas City, Texas; and numerous other relatives. 

Gary graduated from Ball High School in 1973. He started off his career as a mailman for the United States Post Office but that wasn’t enough for him. In February 1977, Gary enrolled in the Fire Academy and on April 15, 1977 and began his 32 years of service at the Galveston Fire Department. He retired from GDF on July 4, 2009. During his time with GFD he was very active in the Union and always available to support union issues. He held the position of Second VP and Delegate. He also played a major role in fundraisers, such as Fill the Boot and the collection for the 9/11 attacks, as well as being instrumental in bringing the State Firefighter convention to Galveston. Gary was one of the first paramedics in GFD and rode for many years on the Rescue Truck, which responded to all major events on the Island for many years. After retiring from GFD he went on to serve as Vice President of the Texas State Association of Retired Fire Fighters since 2015. 

Gary was an excellent photographer and took many pictures for weddings and sorority formals. But his greatest works were taking pictures of his beloved Island which became cover photos for Galveston Monthly Magazine. He also loved to play golf but his biggest love was being able to work The Shell Houston Open and Administaff (now called The Insperity) golf tournaments. That was the one thing he looked forward to the most every year. Gary also enjoyed pulling the floats for Mardi Gras every year as well. 

Visitation will be held at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. with a Rosary beginning at 11:30 A.M. A memorial service will follow the Rosary beginning at 12:00 P.M. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Fireman’s Hall on Heards Lane in Galveston (7501 Heards Lane) from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. 

Pallbearers will be David Alcala, Feliciano Canales, Wesley Flowers, Billy Hawker, Brad Hawker and Charlie Olsen. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Matt Pickich, Dr. James McHenny, Dr. Abdalla Massad, Dr. Ammie Rupano and all of the MICU nurses at UTMB that took care of Gary during his time at the hospital.

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