REHOBOTH BEACH, DE, USA U.S. Army SSG, B CO, 1-63 ARMOR REGT (1ID), APO AE 09112 VILSECK, GERMANY BAGHDAD, IRAQ 05/18/2004
Joseph was born in Delaware on August 26, 1969 and grew up in Sussex County. He joined the Army in 1990 after graduating from high school. Staff Sergeant Joseph P. Garyantes was stationed in Vilseck, Germany and deployed to Iraq in February 2004 with his unit, B Company, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. He was killed by sniper fire on May 18, 2004 while on Combat Patrol in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, at the age of 34.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Monika, and his sons, Tevin and Ryan; by his mother, Geraldine Green Garyantes Clark; his brothers, Stephen and James, Jr.; his sisters, Teresa Garyantes, Jean Marie Shipley, and Christin Clark. He was loved by more than just his family, as evidenced by the following messages left to him on Freedom Remembered.
“i hate so bad that you are gone, you were my first tank commander in hohenfels, but you were much more than that, you were almost like a father to me. i’ll never forget the times we shared together. peace to your family, i remember when your son was born, you were on cloud 9. until we meet again” – ken morris aka kennymo of beattyville, ky
“Gary i miss you brother, Hohenfells brings back to many memories and good times. Your memory will not go forgotten, OPFOR leads the way, “God speed, expect no mercy”
Heff of Fort Riley KS
“Gary you were a good buddy of mine at FT Lewis and I remember all the times we laughed at work. You were a great NCO and someone that I considered a true friend. You touched so many hearts with your compassion including mine. I miss you brother.” – SFC Roberto Garza JR of Schofield Barracks, HI
JOE, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WE HAD ONE BADASS SOFTBALL TEAM IN HOHENFELS. WE ALWAYS HAD A BLAST WHEN WE DID OUR 3 DAY DEFENCES IN THE BOX. WHO COULD FORGET WHEN YOU AND ROSADO TOOK ME TO ITALY FOR MY 21ST B-DAY. LOVE YA, MAN.”- SGT KEENEY of MODESTO,CA
“I was a teenager, living next door to your mother and father, when news of your father’s death came so unexpectedly when your mother was pregnant with you. My family and I loved your Dad, Jim. He was a good, no nonsense sort of guy your brothers and sisters adored. And your mother loved him so much that she always got a dreamy, smitten look in her eyes whenever she spoke of him. When you were born, I was fortunate enough to cradle you in my arms and gaze into your sweet, dark eyes while you nursed your bottle. I called you Josie and I’m certain you would be glad that nickname didn’t stick. I loved your whole family: Terry, Stephen, Marie, James and your sweetheart of a mother, Gerry. I was so sadden to hear of your sacrifice and the terrible burden it placed on your loved ones. How was I to know that the precious infant I so loved would grow up to be a hero? But, you are with your father now in Heaven with our Lord where there are no more tears and no more war. I am so glad you grew up to be a fine man worthy of the Garyantes name. Peace be with you always.” – Linda Ryan-Harper of Hartwell, GA
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