Gerald E. 'Buck' Wasela

Gerald E. "Buck" Wasela U.S.M.C. Veteran 　 Gerald Wasela, of Lorain died May 27th, 2015 at Mercy Regional Medical Center. Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 28, 1924. He was a former resident of southern California before moving to Lorain, Ohio. He was 90 years old. He graduated and completed his high school education in the lower division of Pasadena Junior College in California and furthered his education by receiving an Associate in Arts Degree from John Muir College majoring in Forestry. He lettered in football, participated in most sports, was an accomplished golfer, and had a passion for traveling. He was also active in the building of floral floats in Pasadena for the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day. During his residency in Pasadena. he and his late wife enjoyed 10 Rose Bowl games and many Rose Parades. In N.E. Ohio, he saw the championship playoff game between the Cleveland Browns vs L.A. Rams in 1950 and also witnessed the same two teams play in 1951 in Los Angeles. His familiarity with golf courses started when he caddied at the Cog Hill Country Club in Illinois in the mid 1930's, the home of the Western Golf Tournament, an annual event in professional golf. This exposed him to becoming an assistant grounds keeper in California when the Arroyo Seco Country Club was gaining in popularity as a 18-hole par-3 course day and lighted for nite play; the first such type west of the Mississippi at the time. Later in his life, he retired as a carpenter and former group leader from USS/ Kobe Steel Company in 1996. Wasela was also a member of Local 1104 USWA with past memberships in Carpenter Locals 947 San Bernardino, California and the former Carpenter Local 705, Lorain, Ohio where he was a 16-year member. He was an Asiatic Pacific war veteran who signed up at 16 and enlisted at 17 before World War II began in 1941. At dawn on August 7, 1942, his military unit the 2nd Marine Regiment, attached to the 1st Marine Division, spearheaded America's first amphibious land offensive against Japan in the B.S.I. The 2nd Marine Regiment with special units was assigned to invade Florida, Gavutu, Tanambogo, and Tugali, the capital of these islands. At Guadalcanal, he was allied with two marine divisions and one army division for the eventual recapture of this Solomon Island in the southwest pacific. After a recuperation period in Wellington, New Zealand with the 2nd Marine Division, he continued the war in the Pacific theater at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, and at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, ultimately ending his military service with the surrender of Japan in 1945. After receiving his honorable discharge and accepting his military awards, he was later reunited with his proud aging grandmother who raised him. In 1983, he returned to Wellington, New Zealand on a private pilgrimage, where he shared in the 40th anniversary with 150 surviving Guadalcanal veterans and their wives sponsored by the 2nd Marine Division Association. The hospitality and welcome given the marines in both his visits were the most memorable and thankful experiences of his service in W.W.II. He was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church, Lorain. Survivors include his son David, and daughter Joyce, both of Lorain. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Margaret Rose (nee Bylicki); Parents: Father, Joseph, Mother, Marie (nee Novak), and brother Joseph J. The Dombrowski-Riddle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may call Monday at the Dombrowski-Riddle Funeral Home from 9 A.M. until the funeral mass at 10:30 A.M. at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church, 1454 Lexington Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend Robert J. Glepko, Pastor, will officiate. Entombment will follow in Resurrection Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. Memorial contributions may be made to Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church, Lorain. 　 Online condolences may be made at www.dombrowskifuneralhome.com