Gary L. Eastridge

Gary L. Eastridge, 65, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 surrounded by loved ones at home in Waukee after losing his battle with cancer.

Gary was born August 31, 1955 in Des Moines to James “Bob” and Wilma (Bishop) Eastridge. He grew up in Altoona and graduated from SE Polk High School in the class of 1973. Gary worked for FedEx in Des Moines as a dispatcher and retired in 2016 after 40 years. He was very proud of his FedEx watch collection honoring his years of service to the company. Gary met his wife, Grazia Aiello, at the Iowa State Fair in 1992.

Some of Gary’s greatest attributes were being able to joke and make people laugh with his quick wit and sense of humor. His laugh filled the room and was contagious! His joys in life were being around family, travelling (especially to Hawaii), walking on the beach, the ocean, sunsets, NASCAR, bicycling, wood working, reading and the outdoors. He was the kind of man who was always willing to help his family, his friends and anyone in need. He will be remembered the most for being loving, gentle and funny.

Those who will greatly miss Gary are his wife, Grazia; children, Josh, Kelli, and Isaiah Eastridge, and Sean (Lindsay) and Ryan Brown; siblings, Denny (Jackie), Jim, and Mike (Shelly) Eastridge; grandchildren, Brayden and Cade Brown; his mother, Wilma Eastidge; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and colleges. He was a loyal father, husband and friend!

Gary was preceded in death by his father, and brother, Tony.

Private graveside services will be held at the Waukee Cemetery with a celebration of life to be held July 25, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to charities in Gary’s memory. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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