Gary Fredrick Paarz was born on December 22, 1946, the oldest of six children. His home of record is Absecon, NJ. Gary attended the New Jersey Avenue School in Absecon and graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1965.  He was a good student. Gary enjoyed working hard, but more than that he enjoyed playing hard. He played Little League Baseball and played on the Jersey Devils Football Team. He had many close friends and he loved to be with his family. He attended Rutgers Agricultural School for several months during the fall of 1965 before leaving school to join the Marines to “serve his country” in a time of need. He planned to return to college once the Vietnam War was over. After college, he wanted to get married, have a family, and get a job that permitted him to use his mechanical and automotive skills.

Paarz enlisted in the US Marine Corps and attained the rank of Lance Corporal (LCPL/E3).

On April 9, 1967, at the age of 20, Paarz was killed in action in Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam shortly after completing Vietnam language school. He was killed in action while out on reconnaissance patrol. Gary was the first of three Absecon residents to die in the Republic of South Vietnam.

Sources: Ethel Paarz-Gardner (mother), Bob Paarz (brother) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024