Gary Caufield Sanfilippo

Gary Caufield SanFilippo, 57, of La Grande and formerly of Cove, died suddenly March 10 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise.

Memorial services will begin at 2 p.m. April 16 at Faith Center, 10300 South D St., Island City.

Gary was born Jan. 31, 1954, in Los Angeles. After living many years in San Jose, Calif., he moved to Cove with his family in 1978.

When he was able, he enjoyed traveling to visit his family in Washington, California and Texas. Most recently, Gary lived at Wildflower Lodge in La Grande. There, he had many friends and enjoyed participating in drumming, Wii, bingo and card games.

He was a 2010 gold medal winner for Special Olympics bowling. Gary had a special interest in music, movies, football and trivia. His family says he is most remembered for his "sweet nature, quick smile, excellent sense of humor and radiant beard."

He is survived by sisters, Linda Grilli and her husband, Jim, of San Jose, Sherri Fumo and her husband, Robert, of Fremont, Calif., Denise Stoaks and husband, Paul, of Cove and Marlene SanFilippo of Kennewick; brother, Ron SanFilippo and his wife, Karen, of Kent, Wash.; three nephews; and four nieces.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nancy SanFilippo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Union County Special Olympics, 802 Crook Ave., La Grande 97850 or the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mdausa.org.

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