ZAPPA, Gary Ned - A Santa Rosa native with an extensive career in public safety and law enforcement, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at Kaiser Hospital, Santa Rosa. He was 49. Gary spent his early years in law enforcement as a Police Tech for Santa Rosa Police from 1982 to 1986 and later took a position as a Community Service Officer with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department. In 1987, he was promoted to Deputy Sheriff with the department, but suffered an on-the-job injury and was retired. Gary then began a successful career as a Communications Dispatcher for the Marin County Sheriff's Department, handling medical, fire and law enforcement emergencies for 17 years. He received numerous commendations for his knowledge and expertise, including his handling of a six-alarm fire at the Dominican Convent in San Rafael and 32-car pile up during the 2006 snow on the Waldo Grade. In addition, he served as a Certified Training Officer for many years. Gary was a graduate of Montgomery High School and grew up in Sonoma County. He earned a bachelor's degree at Sacramento State in Admin Justice and Political Science, receiving his Master's in Public Administration at Golden Gate University. He was a devoted and loyal San Francisco Giants fan and was known for his affinity and knowledge of fire equipment and helicopters. He enjoyed frequent trips with his son Joshua to the Charles Schultz Airport. Gary was a beloved husband to Vanessa, and devoted father to Joshua, Matthew, Brad and Jacquelyn; grandfather to Kiara, Aiden and Alyssa. He also is survived by cousins Shelly and Richie Gardner. His parents, Jerry N. Zappa and Flora Bernice Zappa predeceased him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Lucas Valley Church, 2000 Las Gallinas Ave., Terra Linda. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a savings account in the name of his six-year-old son Joshua Zappa and Vanessa Zappa at Redwood Credit Union, 250 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. Private interment at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. Arrangements under the care of SANTA ROSA MORTUARY EGGEN & LANCE CHAPEL, 542-3154.
Published in the Press Democrat on 4/6/2007.