William R Pastore

He moved to Salt Lake City with his family and in 1943, after completing only 2 years of high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was an elite Marine Raider and Scout/Sniper participating in the historic battles for Guadalcanal, Guam and Iwo Jima, where he received his first Purple Heart.

As a Marine Corps Reservist he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War in 1950 and fought at the Chosin Reservoir where he was wounded and received his second Purple Heart.

“Gunner” retired from the Marine Reserves in 1982 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class after 33 years of service to his country.

He was a full time employee of the News Paper Agency Corporation and retired as Forman of the Presses, printing both the daily Tribune and Deseret News.

“Gunner” married his beloved ‘Ched’ (Genevieve Christensen) on October 17th 1947.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, his daughter, Tracie Fielden (Lawrence), granddaughter Danielle Fielden. His dear nephews Gary A. Kelley (KC), Jesse W. Kelley (Diane), and his “adopted” son Anthony Ventura (Carol Ann).

He loved working with wood and took pride in providing heirloom carvings to friends and family and he never passed up a well made Bloody Mary.

One of kind, “Gunner” was a true leader, life of the party and energetic human being, teaching us all how to live well. He believed in the motto that ‘no one gets out of here alive’ and he left this life surrounded by his precious family and his beloved Marines. Sempre Fi, “Gunner” you will be missed.

A service will be held on Saturday, February 10th at 2:00pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.