USS Tarawa LHA-1 Reunion

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Taps

"On behalf of a grateful nation and a proud Navy, I present this flag to you in recognition of your years of honorable and faithful service to your country."

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Amen

Note: CLICK HERE, if you would like to remember a fallen crewmember from the USS Tarawa LHA-1. I will add your memory to the TAPS Page.

PRECOMM to 1979 - Steven Edward (Ed) Batson - Ed Batson passed away November 19, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. Ed worked in the ship's laundry. Some may have known him as Fast Eddy or as Batman. He was also a plank owner and a great friend. The service is November 27, 2012 in Dallas, Texas at the National Cemetery. A great friend and shipmate. He will be missed. - Dexter Howell

Batson, Steven Edward December 28, 1956 - November 19, 2012. Edward is survived by his wife, Kathy; and daughter, Ryan Batson; granddaughter, Gianna Sierra; mother, Shirley Minter; and brother, Max Batson. Graveside services are 2:30PM, Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery (Lane C), 2000 Mt. Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX.

 

 

PRECOMM to 1979 - Rich Kondracki - Today we gather to say goodbye to the greatest man I have ever known, my husband of almost 29 years, best friend, my knight in shining armor Richard Kondracki.
Rich was born Sept. 26, 1957.  He was  the ideal man, the best husband and father anyone could have ever wished for. He was strong, hard working, full of compassion and love for those dearest to his heart, but most of all his family, we were his world. Rich was a man of few words, but many deep emotions, like a well-worn book, some pages wide open for world to read, others stuck together with the glue of time.  Sometimes he wouldn't have to say a word, but you always knew what he was feeling, especially when his deep hazel eyes sparkled and his laugh lines popped out around the corners of his infectious smile, the sign that he was truly happy in that moment, could not be prouder or more in love. Rich had a deep love for gardening, fishing, shooting squirrels, Busch beer and then and naps behind the shed where he thought no one could find him and the Navy. He would share stories about his experiences on the ship, about  baby Grace born on the ship, his journeys to foreign countries and the wild and crazy nights with Dennis O'Keefe and his other Navy brothers. Over the years Susan our daughter had thought that her dad had few friends because she and I were his world, but she was proud to say she was wrong. Through these trying times taught her that you didn't have to speak or see your friends everyday to know who truly cares. Over the 7 weeks that Rich was ill she got to meet some amazing people that made up the other parts of Rich's life and saw how he beamed from those hazel eyes every time someone would walk through the door or called. In the end everything happened so quickly and its hard to understand I am still in shock, but to know that in Rich's 54 short years of life, he had accomplished all of his dreams. On May 23, 2012 Rich was called home to God, and even though he is not here in this world he will always be in our hearts, memories.  Please toast to Rich for I know that he will be there in spirit. Love to all, Debbie

     

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1985 to 1989 - Timothy John Avazian - I am letting you know that Timothy Avazian, SK2, USN on the USS Tarawa LHA-1, suddenly passed away on 11 January 2011. Thank you, Thomas

US Navy Operation Desert Storm- Timothy John Avazian (USS Tarawa) 52 Another Sailor Passes too Soon:Timothy John Avazian, 52 of Gallatin, died suddenly at home on January 12, 2011. He was formerly from Red Oaks Mill.

Tim was born in Kingston, NY on April 30, 1958 to the late John F. Avazian and Jean (McCarthy) Avazian. He graduated from Roy C. Ketcham HS in 1977 and went on to Dutchess, New Paltz, Marist and Hudson Valley CC to receive his degrees in Accounting and Machinery (CAD). He served in the US Navy during Desert Storm on the USS Tarawa LHA-1 proudly. He was also a member of the K of C in Wappinger Falls. He was employed by Stanfordville Machine as a Tool and Die Maker, a C & C operator and machinist.

Tim pursued a plethera of hobbies including, but not limited to, raising animals, motorcycle riding, car repair, volunteer work, bartering and trying new things with adventure at heart. He was a partner in the Avazian/Baccomo sausage company. His family past and present meant the world to Tim. He was indebted to his friend Bill for 19 years of sober living. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all!

On June 14, 1997 he married Colleen McGhee. Mrs. Avazian survives at home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters Anita McGhee, Megan, Erin and Heidi Burch. He was the very proud grandfather of JayAnn Burch. Timmy is also survived by brother Daniel Avazian , sisters Karen Andersson and husband Ron, Kimberly Baccomo and husband Phil. Nephews, Keith and Eric Hanford along with nieces Eva Andersson and Stephanie Hanford, Cousins Pamela Mosher and Cindy and John Buckley. Many more cousins in Florida and Down Under in Australia. He was predeceased by both his parents and a brother Michael Avazian in 2004.

A memorial service will be held in Timothy’s honor on Monday January 17, 2011 at Peck & Peck Funeral Home, Pine Plains, NY from 4 to 7 pm. All are welcome to come celebrate his life. Following the service the family will hold a gathering at their home.

Published in the DESERT STORM OBITUARIES January 19, 2011

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