Anthony “Tony” Leon Gatling, 72, of Ellenton, FL, died unexpectedly at Manatee Memorial Hospital on Saturday, September 22nd. Tony was born on September 8, 1946 in Portsmouth, VA, son of the late Vincent Alphonso Gatling, Sr. and Rosa Lee (Baysmore) Gatling. Tony was raised in Waterbury, CT where he attended Bucks Hill Grammar School graduating in 1961 and Crosby High School, graduating in 1965. He also attended W.F. Kaynor Technical School and received a certificate in Drafting Technology. During his youth, Tony was active in the Young Marines of Waterbury and in 1966 joined the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Parris Island, SC for Boot Camp. Tony dedicated his life to the Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Drill Sergeant and Gunnery Sergeant and was a member of the Military Police throughout his military career. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and was affectionately known as “Gunny”. During his tenure he was stationed in Japan, Washington, DC, California, South Carolina and North Carolina before retiring in 1986. While in the Marines he was awarded with 6 Good Conduct Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, 2 Meritorious Master Ribbons, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Distinguished Marksmanship Badge. He also received Special Agent Basic Training, FBI and Naval Investigative Services Training, along with several other certificates and awards.
Upon retiring from the Marines, he was employed as a US Marine Corps and Naval Criminal Investigator. From 1995 to 2002 he worked as a private investigator, D.E.A. contractor and background investigator. He was a member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association from 1997 to the present and a member of the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Association from 1987 to the present. Tony was also employed at the Moore and Wright Law Firm as a Paralegal. He also had a passion for photography and worked as a freelance photographer in his spare time.
Besides his loving wife Cloureen (Mahabir) Gatling, Tony leaves to cherish his memory, his uncle, Allison Baysmore of Waterbury, CT, his six siblings: Vanessa (Elvin) Clayton of Trumbull, CT; Donna Gatling of Ocoee, Florida; Karen (Bobbie) Clark of Rocky Mount, NC; Vincent (Carla) Gatling, Jr., of Columbia, SC; Rosa Gatling Williams, of Newark, NJ; and Cheryl (Barry) Galloway of Waterbury, CT; his stepchildren, Jerless Mahabir of Dorchester, MA; Jerdino (Veronica) Mahabir of Dorchester, MA; and Javon (MaryAnn) Mahabir of Norwood, MA, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn are the loves of his life, his 5 nieces and 4 nephews, along with his God-sister Deborah Watts and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.
The funeral will be held on Monday, October 1 at 1pm, Groover Funeral Home, Ellenton, FL. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12pm – 1pm. Burial with Military honors will be held on Tuesday, October 2 at 10:00am, Sarasota National Cemetery.
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