It is with regret we announce the passing of Col. (Ret.) John Michael “Mike” Gamino, US Army, age 81, of Fayetteville, TN. Mike was born on November 11, 1938 in Bartlesville, OK, to the late Antonio Salvatore “Tony” and Margaret Irene LaPrad Gamino. Mr. Gamino passed away peacefully on June 5, 2020, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN, surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara “Bonnie” Gamino of Fayetteville; daughter, Judy Gamino Quinn (husband, Kevin) of El Paso, TX; William “Tony” Gamino (Husband, Ryan) of New York, NY; Sean M. Gamino (wife, Nadene) of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Lance Quinn (wife, Mariekie) of Ojai, CA, Sean Quinn (wife, Elly) of Santa Clarita, CA, Magen Gamino of Huntsville and Kylie Gamino of Huntsville; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gamino was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Marie Schafers.
Mike graduated from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, attaining a BS in Engineering and graduated from American University, Washington, DC attaining a MBA. He received his Commission as a 2nd LT in the US Army in 1961. Recipient of many awards including the Legion of Merit (2d Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal (2d Oak Leaf Cluster). Mr. Gamino attended Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth, KS and Naval War College, Newport, RI. He retired as a Colonel after a distinguished 30 year Army career in 1991 serving two tours in Vietnam. Mike attended St. Anthony Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and acted as a treasurer, reader, and a server for the church.
A memorial service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Higgins Funeral Home, with military honors. Visitation with the family will be from 11 AM until 12 PM on Saturday at Higgins.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 in memory of Mr. Gamino.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Col. (Ret.) John Michael “Mike” Gamino, US Army.
