Born and raised in the San Diego area, he was a passionate surfer who spent his youth riding the waves of the Pacific Ocean during the 1950s.
Gary met his wife Donna (nee Stiefel) in California, where they married in 1963. They moved to Colorado in the early 1970s, where they briefly owned and operated the Fireside Campground near Namaqua. After selling the Fireside, Gary and Donna purchased a home in Berthoud, Colorado, where he operated a machine shop for many years. In 2000, Gary and Donna retired in Costa Rica—a lifelong dream that once again allowed him to enjoy the ocean sunsets and beach life he had loved since childhood.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna Vienna; son, Daniel; sister, Vicky; and brothers, Stan and Art. Gary's spirit and love for the ocean will be fondly remembered by his surviving children Janine Vienna, Cindi Pitcher (Jeff), Gary "Steve" Vienna (Elizabeth), and Anthony "Tony" Vienna (Stephanie). His legacy extends to grandchildren Ajay, Kacy, Jake, Sheena (Jeff), Jamie (Tyler), Julianna, and Danielle (Matt), as well as three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Gary is also survived by siblings Duane, Carl, Darlene, and Glen.
A private celebration of Gary's life will be held in San Diego, California, on Saturday, August 3, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Shriners Hospital. Donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children® (lovetotherescue.org).
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