Thomas John “Gunny” Heron, age 82, Floral City, FL passed away October 12, 2022 at
Vitas Hospice in Lecanto, FL.
.
“Gunny” was born in Bronx, NY on July 11, 1940 to the late Owen A. Heron and Madeline Dixon Heron and came here in 1990 from there. He was Catholic by faith.
Gunny retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as Gunnery Sgt. with 26 years of service, During that time he was awarded a Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, Navy Unit Commendation during Vietnam. He was with the USMC Expeditionary forces during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His assignments were: Utilities Chief, Combat Engineer and Tank Commander. He was a member of the Marine Corp League #1139. He was very active with the Annual Toys for Tots, organizing motorcycle brigades collecting toys for many years. “Gunny” was also a member of the Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge.
Left to cherish his memory are three children: Thomas J. (Loretta) Heron, II, Bay Shore, LINY; Donna (Robert) Arakel, Bradenton, FL; Susan Heron, Homosassa, FL; 1 sister, Margaret DiSalvo, Congers, NY; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances Heron on September 2, 2002 and his brother, James Heron.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors rendered by Marine Corp Detachment #1139 is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM from Florida National Cemetery. The procession to the cemetery will depart the funeral home at 1:00 PM. Friends are invited to attend. There will be a visitation at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home on Sunday, October 16th from 2-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to “Toys For Tots” in memory of: Thomas J. “Gunny” Heron. Address for checks: 8405 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville, FL 34613
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