Dad,
As we honor our Veterans today, I came to the somber reality that I'll now also be paying my respects and gratidude to you on Memorial Day. Regardless, you are in my thoughts and I'd like to share this with you on Veteran's Day.

All girls and boys have their heroes.

Some are comic book figures with superhuman abilities soaring through the skies and aiding those in need. Others are top athletes leading their teams to glory. My hero was none of those — and yet, to me, he was like all of them. 
As a child, I would eagerly read through my hero’s flight logs or listen in wonder and amazement to an LP recording of my hero’s daring ejection from a cockpit filled with smoke. 
I vividly remember the concern and sadness on my hero’s face when he received a call that two of his students had perished in a flight accident. 
I followed my hero’s footsteps, joining the US Air Force. 
My hero shaped me into the man I've become today. 
People know my hero by many names, grandpa, great grandpa, father, Colonel, Ed, Eddie, Edward. But to me, my hero's name is simply..... Dad. So to my hero, I say Rest in Peace. You've been an inspiration to us all, the rock and foundation of our family. 

We love and miss you dearly and you will forever be in our hearts, minds and soul.

Your Son,
Brian

Ed was a great golf partner and one of the nicest guys around.  Very fortunate to have known such a heroic veteran.

Camping in Mexico or walking a fairway on the golf course, Ed was generous with his time and knowledge.  He would regrip some old clubs for me and offer to even take me golfing or meet him at the course.  Sometimes I affectionately would call him my Fairy Golf-father...he would tilt his head and look at me, grin and do his little "snicker-laugh". So grateful that I got to spend a little time with this man. My Condolences to the entire Gallardo Family. Fly high Colonel

Colonel Edward F. Gallardo, USAF (Ret).......

Dad, it's been over 2 weeks now since your departure. We've been out, we've done things, Casino, ate out, many of the activities we all did together as a family....and some of what we (you and I) did together. Your presence is missed. 

I remember last year (Nov 2022) we did something together that stands out as one of the most memorable things I've ever done.

We went, you and I, on the Honor Flight trip to Washington DC. This was only the 2nd Vietnam Era Honor Flight ever done. Wow, what an endeavor! I know our trip had it's challenges, but we stuck together, spent a lot of time with each other, talked, slept, ate, you name it, I was your "wingman".  It was an honor to accompany you, experience it and take care of you during that event. 

It's been an honor and privilege being your "son in law" for the last 44 years. You've had much more of an influence on me than I think you ever realized in making me the man, husband, father and grandfather I am today.  Thank you Dad, I love and miss you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Flight
BY JOHN GILLESPIE MAGEE JR.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds,—and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air ....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark nor ever eagle flew—
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Dear Dad (FIL)🙏
From the moment I met you in person you had greeted me with love and acceptance as that is the man you are. 
Dad “Colonel”  Edward Gallardo your energy lightened up a room with your funny sense of humor your personal warmth and dedication to your family friends! 
You were and are everything to everyone who has briefly met you, known you and been with you every step of your beautiful and honorable life! You made people feel shown and important when they were with you through your time and conversations.
Dad (papa) Gallardo you are so deeply missed and greatly loved forever!
Your children and grandchildren are so truly blessed and fortunate to have had you as their role of a  Patriach of this Gallardo name and family! You are a forever legend and hero to us all to the country you served!
You dad were the backbone to all of us and admiration for you will never fail to leave us in our hearts and souls!
Dad may your soul rest in peace with eternal bliss ✝️ and know that I feel your spirit watching over all you cared for from above♥️ I LOVE YOU DAD until we all meet again!

Grandpa did a lot for his country, he brought peace in every room he stepped in, being around him just made your soul feel calm and in your own element now he is in his, thank you for bringing joy to your family and kindness to our hearts and most of all smiles with the warmth of his soul, we love you forever grandpa G.

My condolences, to all of us going through the hardship of a hero's passing. Though physically gone. The hero's spirit still lives on. Grandpa, you were a role model and an inspiration to my life. Though our paths were different in life, Spiritually we remain connected. I thank you for continueing to inspire me, and continueing to be a role model, even after your passing. You will never be forgotten. You are with God,  and you will remain in our hearts. I celebrate the joyful life you lived, and I will cherish our memmories we had together.

- Cody

Some of my favorite memories are the fishing trips we use to take. I love you grandpa. Thank you for giving me such joyful memories!

Grandpa I am so thankful for all the time I was able to spend with you. To think that I was about Titus's age in this photo. What a beautiful memory of you grandpa. Even though I didn't join the Air Force and I went Navy you were still proud of me! I love you. I am thankful that you were able to meet your great grandkids Titus and Grace. I miss you and I know I will see you again one day in Heaven and you can share more amazing stories with me!

My Dad, My Best Friend, My Hero. My Heart is Broken but your Memory keeps my Spirit Shinning Bright. I Love you and Already miss you.

Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad. My Papa, I love and miss you. You asked for little, but gave so much. Godspeed, one day we will meet again.

OBITUARY

Edward F Gallardo

December 27, 1931 – September 12, 2023

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services