Gary J. Lastovica's Obituary
Gary John Lastovica, born Dec 17, 1958, in Bellville, Texas, passed away March 18th, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Belunek Lastovica, his in-laws, Daniel and Julia Schneider Slade, and his sister-in-law Pamela Ann Slade.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Rhonda Slade Lastovica. Daughter Stacey M. Lastovica, daughter and son-in-law Stephanie Lastovica Self and Sean, son and daughter-in-law John T. Lastovica and Preslie Cox Lastovica, and two of the most loved granddaughters Clara Grace Self and Julie Ann Self, who loved their grandpa so much, especially when he would let them stay in his camper in his most favorite place in the world, Uvalde Texas.
Gary attended St. Ambrose Catholic School and St. Pius X High School. He attended Sam Houston State University for a short semester, then decided to pursue a trade career and joined Local Union 716 of Electrical Workers. At 30, he decided to return to school and get his degree, which opened doors for him. His education, electrical license, and his knowledge of computers enabled him to travel the world while working with HPI, LLC and HPI Energy. He was blessed to visit 6 out of 7 continents, including countries such as Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Malaysia, Ghana, Scotland, Kuwait, the UAE, and many more interesting places.
His favorite place to visit was Prague. He said those were his people.
Gary was an avid hunter. He and John have property in Uvalde and have been making it what they wanted it to be. Little did all of us girls know that it was a few miles from the Frio River; once we found out, we started invading their space during the summers. They loved having us there, treating us like it was a 4-star accommodation, which it was not. We spent days watching green jays, riding around in the four-wheeler, and visiting the neighborhood donkey. Evenings were spent around the fire, eating, talking and laughing, looking for Big Foot, and watching the beautiful heavens and stars above, which was one of his favorite things to do while there. He was so looking forward to the eclipse that will take place right over the property in April.
In April 2023, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with inoperable Glioblastomas and brain tumors. He never complained or asked why him. He has fought a long, hard battle. Cancer robs you of everything little by little.
Over the last 11 months, Gary has received videos and messages from friends around the world reaching out to him and wishing him prayers and love. Our friends have shown us a tremendous amount of love and support and offered up countless prayers. The visits, messages, calls, flowers, and food have been greatly enjoyed and appreciated.
We are not ready to let him go, but his faith and our faith carry us, knowing he will be with his Lord and Savior and will be waiting for us when it is our time.
A visitation with the family will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass for Gary, which will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St, in Houston, Texas, followed by a reception with his family and friends in the adjacent hall.
To view the funeral Mass for Gary J. Lastovica, please open the following link:
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