Gary Wayne Polacca

Gary Wayne Polacca was a beloved family man, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He had a big presence and was a multifaceted person with a great sense of humor; he was a storyteller, a musician, a lover of eclectic music, and an excellent mixed media artist. In his work - Gary was a skilled electrician with knowledge of many intersecting trades, a problem solver, and a doer. In his downtime, he was a seeker of adventure and new challenges. He lived and worked, knowing that time does not stand still.

Following are just a few highlights of Gary’s life. As a youth, he was always on the move-off to adventure in the fields, trekking through the mesquite trees and dunes, swimming in the canals, or walking miles day and night to visit cousins and friends. He attended local schools and graduated from Stewart Indian School in Carson, Nevada. Gary went on to join the Navy, where he traveled widely and learned many skills and knowledge that led to him becoming an Electrician. In 1989, Gary met and married Judy Osife; they settled in Phoenix and started their family.

There in Phoenix, Gary began his long career with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Through IHS, his work in hospital and clinic facilities included time in multiple locations, including Phoenix, Yuma, Parker, Peach Springs, and Supai, to name a few. Gary’s final role was Facilities Supervisor with the Colorado River Service Unit in Parker. His facilities team performed various tasks to keep IHS hospitals and clinics safe and current with federal standards. As one of his coworkers in Parker put it, Gary was a “Chaos Coordinator.” Following thirty-plus years in the field, he finally retired at the end of 2022 and returned home to Phoenix, his family, and to spend time on artwork and other personal projects. Sadly, Gary’s poor health cut his retirement short. He passed peacefully on February 19, 2023, with Judy and family members present. The silence following his departure is almost unbearable, but what great stories and memories we have. Gary truly enjoyed life to the fullest.

Gary’s children include daughters Lisa Manuel and Charlee Morales Godinez and sons Taylor and Storm Polacca. Grandsons Arlo Morales and Michael Manuel, and granddaughters Raven Morales, Mia Manuel, and Lily Manuel. Starlie and Edna Polacca, both deceased, were Gary’s parents. Siblings include; Wilene Polacca, Tyruss Polacca, and Skeet Charles Polacca, all deceased. Surviving siblings include Melinda Thomas, Starlie Polacca III, Nadine Idso, Mona Polacca, and Sylvia Dawavendewa. Additionally, there are many relatives in Parker and across Arizona.

The family appreciates all expressions of sympathy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at WWW.PARKERFH.COM for the Polacca family.