Gregory William Isotalo

A memorial service for Gregory William Isotalo, 51, a Carson City resident for the past 18 years, was held at Walton's Chapel of the Valley with the Rev. Jennings-Teats officiating. Mr. Isotalo died Aug. 18, 2002, at his home. He was born Aug. 4, 1951, in Seattle, Wash., to George and Patrik Isotalo. Before moving to Carson City, he lived in San Diego, Calif., moving from Seattle. Mr. Isotalo owned and operated A Able Chem Dry Carpet Cleaning in Carson City, Reno and Sparks. He enjoyed gardening and playing cards with his father. He loved to help people. He was a Methodist. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Among his survivors are his parents of Carson City and stepsisters Margaret Ann Gumm of Colville, Wash., and Lisa Kay Anderson of Sparks.

CREW COMMENTS:

I served with Greg onboard the destroyer U.S.S. Dennis J Buckley(DD 808) during Vietnam. We were mostly a gunfire support ship off the DMZ. We fired in support of the 101st Airborne. Also chased some aircraft carriers around the Gulf Of Tonkin. Greg was a Damage Controlman and I an Electricians mate. We were good friends. There were four of us, Bob Lamb, Richard Stone, Jim Breeder, and Greg.

I cant tell you how deeply saddened I am about Greg. I lost a brother! We lost track of each other after the Navy. We did write each other for a while. They de-commissioned the Dennis J Bucklley and it has since gone to the scrap pile. I tried to locate Greg after the Navy but to no avail. I searched The Seattle area via the White pages and now understand why I couldn't find him in Seattle.

Some of the crew of the Dennis J Buckley have been trying to put together a reunion. We always wondered what happened to both Greg and Jim Breeder. I still talk with Bob Lamb and Dick Stone. The military creates some very tight bonds between young people and many times disrupts them abruptly. I was separated from the Buckley In Subic Bay,the Philippines'. I received a three month school cut for college and when the ship pulled into the fueling docks at 2:00 A.M. a yeoman came down to our berthing compartment, gave me my marching orders, and told me I had thirty five minutes to get off the ship, or I would loose my school cut. I never really had time to say good bye to any of my shipmates.

Myself and five others watched as the Buckley slowly slipped into the night after refueling. The military can sometimes leave you broken and confused.

Always hoped I would see Greg again and he now lives with God. He will be in my prayers.

Paul Hirtzig EM3
U.S.S. Dennis J Buckley(DD808)