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Departed Shipmates

Rest In Peace

	Jerome (Jerry) Brennan CT1 August 28, 1990
	LCDR R.O. Allen July 28, 1997
	CMDR (Captain) Gerard P. Gebler
	LTJG F.A. (Alex) Beasley
	Larry Mays CTR3
	LT. Donald Finotti
	Frank T. Wirth, GM3
	Phil Jacquith CTR2 September, 2000
	James M. Canarr CTR1 January 2001
	Jerry Popen, CT-3 January 2, 2002
	Gary A. Newcomb October 2001
	Joseph B. Parker July 2002
	Commander Wesley A Gleason First Captain of USS Georgetown April 11, 1992 Oahu, Hawaii. Buried at National Cemetery
	Don "Dutch" Sprenkle CTRC July 1, 2005
	Ronald Bernstein PCSN 2003

Jerry Popen was a good guy. He worked in Bob's group, if I remember correctly. It's been a long time. Anyway, the last time I had any communication from Jerry was a while back. He wrote the way I remember he talked. I know he made two cruises with us. I remember hearing about the accident and his not being with us. He treated me well.

Phil Jacquith had a very keen sense of humor and brought something to the forward compartment that I found comforting. He was very down to earth and some of us refereed to him as "Pops." He had that air of being older without being old. I do remember his getting into trouble over writing something but do not remember the details.

Jim Canarr was a good man and a good CT. He towed the line the whole time I knew him, but could also laugh with his whole being.

As time goes by, each of these guys has become a cherished memory.

What they had in common was one thing, decency. It was a rare commodity then as it is now. But, somehow, it was gathered in one ship 300+ times. In our two and a half years aboard, Bob Trovato and I lived among good men. It is our privilege to remember them with the mist of time to conceal the rough edges we all have.

I found it odd that Bob and Jerry worked for Kodak in Rochester and I worked for Xerox, based in Rochester. Three CT's from the forward compartment, during the same time, working for companies based in the same city!

I am sure that, out of all the men who served on board, there are more that have passed on without our notice. For all of them, Job Well Done. Sleep Easy.

Ed McGrath

I want to thank you for maintaining such a tribute to the sailors that served on the Georgetown! My father, Gary A. Newcomb was plank owner, among the first NSG crew, recently passed away in October 2001. He continued his service to the Navy until his retirement in 1982, then work for the DOD as a Crypto-Linguist/Analyst until February 1994. We wish all who knew him the very best, fair winds!

Sincerely, Mike Newcomb

Dear Georgetown Shipmates,

Because I only live 185 miles from Brunswick GA, I decided to go to the Funeral. I arrived at the Funeral Home a bit early and had a chance to pay my respects to Don's two beautiful daughters, plus to other friends of his, including Wayne Reed (CTRC Ret) who although was never on the Georgetown, was one of Don's oldest and best friends. (Wayne was on the Valdez, plus we were together on Cyprus for about six weeks back in 1960).

Although there were a lot of people present, Wayne and I were the only two there who were Navy Shipmates. (Me on the Georgetown, and Wayne from previous duty stations). I made sure that Don's daughters knew that with such short notice, (July 4th), shipmates just could not come that distance that quickly. I passed on best wishes from Ed McGrath and Jack Merrill who were able to answer my emails in time. Jack told me that Don was the one who gave Jack all that information about the early days of the Georgetown. Don purchased and saved all the cruise books with photos. Without Don, we all would have to rely on our memories, which after all these years, is not that good.

The service was conducted by two (yes two) ministers. Don was buried in full Chief's uniform. At the grave site, there were two Sailors from the Sub Base at Kings Bay who did the Military (Navy) Honors. Don was a Free Mason, and they also had a ceremony at the grave site.

One last thing that touched me very much. When the lead Sheriff's Deputy blocked the road into the cemetery, he got out of his car, removed his hat, and held it over his heart while the rest of us passed. That is respect.

One more thing. Does anyone have Lt. McGraths email address? This is the other Ed McGrath, who is now living in Columbia. The last address I have was colombo@uolpremium.net.co however it no longer works. Lt. McGrath was Don's Division Officer and I know that Don was in contact with him. If anyone has it, let Jack or myself know.

OK Shipmates. Keep in touch.

Bob Trovato

My name is Michael R. Bernstein, son of late PCSN Roanld S. Bernstein, who served on the USS Georgetown from 65-66. If anyone has any info, pics and memories of my father please let me know. He passed away in 2003 and it is still hard to look at some of his naval stuff. In 2000 I joined the USMC at the ripe ole age of 29, volunteered and served in Iraq in 2004.

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