Obituary of Maurice W. Gjertsen

Mr. Maurice "Buzz" W. Gjertsen went home to our heavenly father peacefully on September 17,2009. He was born August 4,1927 in Lynbrook, New York the son of Mauritz and Agnes (Sorrenson) Gjertsen. Buzz led an active life in the military, starting at the age of 16 enrolling in the Maritime Training School in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn, New York, making his first sea voyage in August 1944. In September of 1944,Buzz signed onto a Liberty ship where his father was also stationed making many trips to the Persian Gulf to a place called Bandar Shapur. In 1969 Buzz was Third mate on the SS Whittier Victory Merchant Marines cargo ship. On one run back to the USA from Vietnam, the Whittier got caught in hurricane Camille. Buzz recalled that night by saying," I have had many numerous adventures out to sea and some were hairier and scarier then Camille, but none the less it was a day and night to remember." Buzz spent many years of his life serving his country. Buzz married June A. Hamilton on June 24,1950 in Oceanside Long Island New York. They raised one daughter and one son whom they named after themselves. June A. Gjertsen and Maurice William Gjertsen Jr. Moving to Corry in the 1970's, Buzz last resided on Columbus Ave. Buzz belonged to the Carpenters Union and owned and operated his own flooring business till the late 1980's. Buzz rented and owned many properties through out the Corry area and also wrote for the Corry Journal in the Society news of interest. Living these past 30 years as a retiree in Land O' Lakes Florida, Buzz enjoyed spending his time motorcycle riding, boating, poetry writing, taking long walks in the orange groves of Lake Como, metal detecting, bike riding, reading, swimming, taking cruise trips and traveling within the USA and over seas. Mr. Gjertsen was an organ donor. Buzz was proceeded in death by his wife, June (Hamilton) Gjertsen in 1978, his brothers Harry, Albert, Norman, George and Carl Gjertsen, sisters Agnes and Evelyn Gjertsen, one son Maurice "Bill" William Gjertsen Jr. and a man whom he called his son and deeply loved Paul Wayne Meneely. Survivors are his granddaughter Mrs. Britt (Gjertsen) Kimmy and her husband Robert, grandson Mr. Maurice "Bill" William Gjertsen the third and wife Gina, all of Corry Pennsylvania, two other granddaughters from South Carolina, one other grandson from Greenville, PA, eight great granddaughters, five great grandsons, one brother Mr. Fred Gjertsen and wife Pat from Hobart, New York, one daughter June and several nieces, nephews and cousins from the New York, Chicago area and Oslo, Norway. Buzz loved his fall trips back to Corry to spend time with his family. On his last trip home, his family surprised him with an 80th celebration. Forever singing the Hymn, Let your lower lights be Burning, Buzz would say," Let God into your life; accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Fear not, you are in good hands." In Lieu of flowers please make contributions to your local VFWhn glover death datepsychology and lung cancer