On 13 November 2013, Kevin “Mike” Gilroy completed his final flight from this earth, ascending on Wings of Angels into the welcoming arms of his Lord. In the course of a lifetime, it is a rare privilege to encounter a person who, through their actions and deeds, serves as an unwavering beacon of light for the virtues of integrity, valor, compassion, and love. While we mourn his passing, we are comforted by the knowledge that Mike’s spirit, bounded in life by these virtues, is indelibly imprinted in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved this amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and warrior.
Mike served in the United States Air Force for 34 years. During his 8-month tour of duty in Vietnam as an F-105 EWO, Mike was awarded eleven Air Medals, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Silver Star, and the Air Force Cross.
Mike’s love of country was surpassed only by his love for his family. With his first wife Mary Nell, whose life was tragically cut short in 1978 by cancer, he fathered and raised two beautiful children, Michael and Denise. In 1983, Mike fell in love with and married an extraordinary and beautiful woman named Patricia, who would be his soul mate for the remainder of his life.
In 1999, Mike and Patricia moved to Florida, and then San Antonio, for the purpose of spending time with their families. They served as a pillars of strength, support, and mentorship for an extended clan that now included daughter-in-law Patty (Steve) Brekke; son-in- law Mitch Williams; grandchildren Chris (Kristen), Tim (Elise), Ragen, Michael Quinn, and Ryan; and great-grandchildren Paige and Adlin. Mike is also survived by his sisters Irene (George) Kusch and Henrietta Synder, brother Michael, a plethora of nieces, nephews, and cousins here in the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland and his ever faithful golden retriever, Maximillian.
A Memorial Service will be held Randolph Air Force Base Chapel 1, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, on 21 November 2013 at 11 AM. Those attending the memorial service who do not have a military ID or common access card should please contact 12 FTW Protocol, Sharon McDaniel, at 210-652-2061 or Sharon.mcdaniel@us.af.mil. You will be placed on an access roster and entry will be via the main gate at Pat Booker road.
Interment will be in St Mary’s Cemetery, Gilroy, California, on 3 December 2013, at 11AM.
Memorials in Mike Gilroy’s name may be made to the following organizations: Air Warrior Courage Foundation: P.O. Box 877, Silver Spring, Md., 20918. (BAMC Troop Support),
San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Company: 2800 NE Loop 410, ste 307, San Antonio, Tx 78218.
Mike Gilroy Memorial Scholarship Fund: P.O. Box 744, Gilroy, Ca., 95021. A more detailed account of Mike’s career can be viewed at www.crofts-crowfuneralhome.com.
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