You were such a wonderful son. We love and miss you.
Navy Gold Star Program Information & Resource Site
Navy Gold Star is the Navy’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Sailors who pass while on Active Duty. If you are visiting this page because you are a surviving family member of a deceased service member, please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and gratitude for your loved one’s service and sacrifice in defending our nation . . .
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Navy Gold Star Tributes
Larry was the son of Marietta and Larry Pitzer from DeSoto MO. He has a younger brother, Brian (married to Jennifer). He played football, baseball, softball, and golf. He loved playing his guitar and singing. Larry was a talented singer and received All State Honor Awards in high school. His senior year he received the highest honor for high school performers, The National Choral Award. (You can hear Larry sing on You Tube, Brian Pitzer @brianpitzer2552).
In 2000, Larry joined the Navy. He completed his basic training in Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, Illinois where he received the Navy League Award. He went on to complete Navy A-School in Pensacola Florida and began his career as an Aviation Electronics Technician. In 2007 he was selected to be a member of the Blue Angels and served four years as part of the Flight Demonstration Team.
In 2004, Larry was married to Amanda-Lee and in 2010 and in 2011 Larry became a proud father of two sons, Ethan and Jacob Pitzer.
In 2016, stationed in Millington Tennessee, Larry earned the rank of Chief Petty officer.
Larry was last stationed at the Naval Air Station Oceana before his death in 2019.
Larry was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle (Tyson and Brantley) and is deeply missed by all.
Christopher M. Colafati was born in New Haven, CT. He grew up in Wallingford, CT, where he attended East Haven High School. As a child, he wanted to be a mechanic when he grew up. He joined the Navy in 2009 and became a Hull Technician and Firefighter. Growing up he played baseball, football, basketball, and bowling. He loved skateboarding and wrestling with his brothers. "Christopher had a work ethic where his focus and determination was truly amazing to witness,” said his brother, Heath. “He was also intelligent, full of energy with an extremely competitive spirit. He was also very funny; a jokester. He loved to make those around him laugh." He loved to cook and build things – even building “a little city in the backyard with igloos” when it snowed. He loved his family, especially his boys. “His smile was infectious and he was always fun to be around,” said his mother, Gail. He is remembered by his wife, Marissa, his sons, Damien and Xavier, his siblings, Sheila Woychowski, John Woychowski, and Robert Heath, and his parents, Gail Jagrose and Frank Colofati Jr.
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Anthony (Aviation Machinist) left us way too soon however, he left us with fond memories, as well as a few beautiful gifts (his children). Anthony loved family gatherings, building things, and pickles to name a few. We will be sure to continue to honor you son. Miss and love you more then you could imagine. Keep watching over us. ??
Eric Shellenberger was born in 1972 and moved around the east coast of the United States as a child. He was born in Tampa, Florida, attended North Penn High School in Pennsylvania and graduated from Abundant Life Academy in South Carolina in 1990.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1991. As a Force Recon Marine, Shellenberger served in Somalia, Sudan, and Japan. He served in the Marines for eight years attending Airborne, Army Ranger and Combat Dive schools.
Shellenberger changed branches and began his career in the Navy in November 1999. In April 2000, he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, California. He graduated with Class 232 Jan. 26, 2001 as class honor man and earned his Trident the following June. He subsequently served with SEAL Team 1 from 2001-2004. Afterwards, Shellenberger completed additional training with Naval Special Warfare Group Advanced Training based in Virginia Beach, Virginia before reporting to Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 1 based in Pearl City, Hawaii in 2005. Over the course of his Navy SEAL career, Shellenberger completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Eric loved his family, to ride motorcycles, and watch the Philadelphia Eagles.
Navy Gold Star Testimonials
Gold Star Family
'This was a great experience for me. I am so glad I did it. I appreciate all of the work and coordination from everyone involved. Thanks for your program. It meant a lot to me and my husband. We were taken on a tour of the hanger, meet some of the men now in the squadron, and had a very nice time. Thank you very much Sandra.'
KRIS ROMEO BISHUNDAT'S FAMILY
Patricia you are perfect for the job you do with the Gold Star Families. Talking to you over the phone felt like I have known you before and meeting you in person validate my feelings. After almost 14 years it means something special to meet other parents and families who have walked our path and the others who are now on that long painful journey our prayers are with all to find comfort.Gold Star Mom and Dad, Maryland
Gold Star Spouse, California
As a survivor of a military serviceman, I'm so pleased for all of you in supporting and caring for those who have lost their love ones like mine. Your kindness and cooperation is being appreciated.
Gold Star Family
Susanna, thanks for all you do for the Gold Star Families. . .encouraging Dolores to submit a tribute for our son Rene was just another example of how you are always reaching out to care for and encourage family members to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.Thank you! Bill & Dolores
Delrio Family
Thank you very much for everything Erick it was a pleasure to meet you in person, I hope that we are able to maintain communication with the Navy Gold Star program that represents so much satisfaction and happiness for us to unite with other families. Hugs
Judi and Pat, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
We were very happy to see Gold Star Navy in the Resource Room at the Snowball Express in Dallas Texas. Rufus and Stephanie provided valuable information and also helped in the event. Thank you for being there for us.
Gold Star Dad
Thanks Sabrina for your greatful assistance in obtaining gold star pins for me and my family. We do appreciate your hard work in making this possible.
Carol & Andrea
Mrs. Jackson, you're such a blessing. We don't feel forgotten after our loss anymore. We greatly appreciate the moral support you provided to us. Thank you very much for all you do. Carol & Andrea