Obituary of William J. Gault

Beloved husband of Denise D’Onofrio Gault.  Dear Father of William M. Gault “Billy”. Brother of the late Don Gault and Beth Gault Hoffmiester (Jim A. Hoffmeister).  Retired Commander US Navy Supply Corps.  Passed away at the age of 64 on Thursday, February 28 after a long and courageous battle with bladder cancer.

Bill was born on July 19, 1954 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania to the late Shirley F. Gault and late William M. Gault and grew up in Parma, Ohio.  After graduating from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1976, Bill entered the Navy on September 24 of that same year.  During his Navy service from 1976 to 1998 his afloat assignments included Assistant to the Supply Officer on the destroyer USS Newman K Perry (DD-883), Assistant to the Supply Officer and commissioning crew member of the Submarine tender USS McKee (AS-41), and Supply Officer on the guided missile cruiser USS Reeves (CG-24).  His shore assignments include Contracting training in Washington, D.C., Supply officer assignments for the Seabees, Marines and Pacific Fleet Submarine force.  While on active duty CDR Gault earned his MBA from San Diego State University.  After retiring from the Navy, Bill joined Lockheed Martin Corp. until his retirement in 2013.

Bill was an amazing and devoted husband and father.  A wonderful man who led by example.  His greatest joy was being with his family.  Music was a big part of his life whether it was listening to Maynard Ferguson blast the trumpet, attending numerous concerts with Denise and Billy, and playing the drums at home.  A sports enthusiast, runner and avid golfer he was always very active and competitive.  He enjoyed watching sports; especially on the sidelines at Billy’s track meets, basketball, flag football, and soccer games.  He taught Billy what it is to be a loyal sports fan as he cheered on his Bears, Indians and Cavs in victory and defeat.  He looked forward to selecting his picks with Billy during March Madness and most recently had fun learning the workings of Fantasy Football from Billy.  His infectious laugh and great personality invited everyone in.  He cared first about how you were before his own needs.  He left Billy with some thoughts to always remember “Do your best, always work hard, do what’s right, and treat others as you want to be treated”.  He was loved to the fullest and will be forever missed. 

Friends and family are welcome to attend the church service and/or military ceremony on Tuesday, March 19.  The church service begins at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary Magdalene, 1945 Illion Street, San Diego, CA 92110, followed by a military ceremony at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122 at 12:30 PM (If attending the military ceremony only, guests are requested to arrive at the cemetery by 12:00 PM to be escorted through the gates to the service site.  The military ceremony will begin PROMPTLY at 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM).  Guests are also invited to join the Gault Family immediately following the military ceremony for a luncheon at Admiral Baker Clubhouse, 2400 Admiral Baker Rd, San Diego, CA 92124. 

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.