Overall Dad was a mentor. He would guide you in the direction, that best suited you. Always looking out for your best interest, weather you knew it or not . Dad was honest, caring, loving and genuine. I will forever follow what he has taught me. I will forever honor his loving legacy.

Dad was not only a great father, but a great brother and friend. Dad and his Brother Richie were like peas and carrots. Anytime they got together, it was nothing but smiles and laughter. Family is everything!

Dad loved to go fishing. We were living in Key West. Dad bought a boat and before you knew it, the whole family was fishing. It was hard not to catch a fish in Key West. For some reason, Dad always caught a lot of " Grunts " This species of fish would grunt when you pulled them out of the water. Some did not see this fish as a keeper, but Dad liked them. He would bring them home, fillet them and then have a fish fry. I will never forget these memories of him. Love you Dad !

Charlie was the nicest man I ever met.

I remember the first time I met Charlie. It was in Butch's happy hour garage.  He walked over after he moved in and said "Hello, Hello". I'm Charlie, Charlie Gatz" after that day it was happy hour at 3pm everyday in Butch's garage with the 3 stooges.  I'll miss that.

After I found out that he flew RC planes he agreed to teach me to fly.  That is where our relationship really "took off".  The early mornings in the middle of nowhere flying and crashing airplanes and yelling "Lower!, Lower!" stand out in my mind.  I'll miss that.

Last, Charlie had the Gift of Gab.  
Sometimes he would call at 0730, or sometimes at 1930.  You better have nothing to do for the next hour to hour and a half because he had your ear!  We would talk about new airplanes, politics,  or just catch up what was going on since our last update or a new purchase.  I will miss that.

We will all miss Charlie

I met Charlie  at the Compound in the spring of 2011. He watched  as I failed miserably at attempts to fly an old plane I had. Just as I was ready to  give up he introduced himself, took me under his wing as if he had know me for years and even came to my home to give me tips and tools needed to build my models. His encouragement and mentoring has taught me not just about the hobby he loved but about the meaning of kindness and friendship. 
You are a wise man Charlie and I will miss you so much. 
Till we meet again...

Back in the midst of my high school years, Pop sold some of his leave to buy me a professional grade synthesizer, a drum machine, a 4 track recorder and an amplifier. 
He had seen the potential in my talent to make that leap and unleash the technical barriers preventing my creativity in music.
I hope those years of listening to me play and watching me evolve brought many memories and joy.

I still can’t believe my husband is gone. Our good memories will keep me going till we meet again. You’re someone very special, and I will cherish your memories in my heart. 

Love you forever

Charlie was the first person to welcome us to the neighborhood and always greeted us with a smile. We had a lot of things in common, both Navy veterans and our love for cars and trucks. He coached me thru several car builds and I enjoyed the friendly banter. When I started my first Cobra build he seemed skeptical that it would ever run much less drive, but when she was finished he was a big fan and told everyone about the car. I only regret I never got him to take a ride. 
I will miss our talks. Godspeed Charlie, fair winds and following seas.

although we met briefly and once during a cold autumn night when your granddaughter brought me to you and your wife’s house - it was one of the most heartwarming experiences i’ve had in quite some time.

you were welcoming, humorous and gave me advice for both life and the navy. though our time was short, you made it all the worthwhile by filling the gap of which my own grandfather left. i enjoyed talking about scary movies and watching “scary stories to tell in the dark” before her and i had to leave.

i did in fact finish it later on, and i wish you were there to see the ending. thank you for being the brave and wonderful man you were, the grandpa your family loved dearly, and a steadfast soldier of the sea. and though we never spoke again afterwards - i always wished you well in my own spare time and mind.

may you be at peace and should the stars intertwine in your favor.

Dad would always call me, while I was busy working. He would always ask me " Where are you at, what are you fixing? " I would fill him in on my daily work related challenges and he would finally let me go to take care of business. I'm going to miss these phone calls. I'm going to miss Dad : (

Dad always loved to celebrate, no matter the occasion. Especially if it included ice cream and cake!

Dad would take my brother Charlie and I to the flying field on the weekends when we were just kids.He would fly his model airplane into the sky. I feel as though this was his happy place. My brother and I would get bored after awhile. So, Dad decided to put a parachute, on one of our toy action figures. And then put the action figure in a cup. Then he mounted the cup on his model airplane. Dad would fly the model airplane as high as he could, and then flip the plane upside down. My brother and I would chase the toy parachuted action figure to the ground. How excited we were. Thank You Dad for all the great memories 🫂

My grandpa was wonderful and a joy to be around. When I walked into the house he would always shout my name and tell me to give him a hug. He would always save movies that you would like and watch them with you; no matter how horrible they were. I enjoyed watching a lot of different movies with him. Although, you could never get him to watch SpongeBob with you. Would always ask if you wanted ice cream during the movie and you would have to make him a scoop too. He would always try to convince me to go to the Navy, to wash his truck, and talk about politics.  Motorcycle rides, drone flying, coming to their house after school and having a snack with him.  It's going to be hard without you there, but we'll be okay. Breathe easy grandpa, I love you.

I met Charlie at the Melbourne VFW in 2011, during the Yuimaru Kai Cultural Club Lunar New Year celebration.  We sat together with Charlie and other club member’s husbands.  Charlie as any of the club’s husbands can tell you, had a great sense of humor and was always pleasant and welcoming.  We met a few more times during the club’s activities.  

I know he will be missed by his family for Charlie was a family man and devoted husband to Sachi.  Although we have not seen Charlie in quite a few years, he and Sachi are always in our thoughts and prayers.  Charlie has not left his family or friends, for he will forever be in our thoughts and heart, and in the Kingdom of Heaven always watching and protecting his family and friends. 

Rest in Peace brother in arms.
Jesus M.
Command Sergeant Major, USA Ret.

My Dad was a Great Man! He loved his Life, He loved God and Loved his Country. He loved family and friends. I will forever miss him. He will always be with me. Rest in Peace Dad. I love you.

Andy

OBITUARY

Charles Vincent Gatz

March 29, 1953 – March 15, 2025

Fountainhead Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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