Gerarde Tannetta

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Gerarde Tannetta, Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Army, retired, of Needham, MA died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 9, 2023 at the age of 94.  Beloved husband of the late Winifred (Harris) Tannetta. Son of the late Antonio and Josephine (Dattolie) Tannetta. Devoted father of Gerard Tannetta II and his wife Kathleen J. Connell of Billerica, David S. Tannetta and his wife Diane E. Cox of Tewksbury, and Winifred M. (Tannetta) Costello and her husband Nathan E. Costello of South Hadley.  Loving grandfather of Gerard Tannetta III and his wife Scarlett of Lowell, Jesse G. Tannetta and his fiancé Gabrielle Viso of Chincoteague, VA, Zachary M. Bolles and his wife Anna Miller of Medfield, Montana Hitchcock and her husband Stefan of Easthampton.  Proud great grandfather to Maeve W. Tannetta, Ryan Bolles Miller and Jessica Bolles Miller.  Also survived by his brother Joseph Tannetta and his wife Jeanne of Dedham as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his siblings Emilio A. Tannetta, Eleanor M. (Tannetta) Rowen and her husband John L. 

LTC Tannetta was a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard and US Army Reserve for over 40 years until he retired in 1989. He was a graduate of numerous military training schools, including National Guard Officer Training at Massachusetts Military Academy, National Defense University, U.S. Army Field Artillery School and US Army Command and General Staff College. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1978.

 LTC Tannetta was awarded many letters and certificates of appreciation and recognition including numerous medals and ribbons. For his service during the Cold War, 1945-1991, he was awarded a COR from Security of Defense, William A. Cohen; for his service in the Armed Forces, he was awarded a COA from his Commander in Chief, President George Bush; in recognition of his sustained, superior performance as a National Guard Technician, he was awarded a CC from Brig. Gen. William J. Gormley III and Col. Anthony Spadorcia; for his service of high professional standards, outstanding achievements and immeasurable contributions to the readiness of Massachusetts Army National Guard he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the President of the United States, MG Wayne F. Wagner and Secretary of the Army John Otho Marsh Jr.  He was also awarded the following: Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Humanitarian Service Medal, Mass Service Medal, Mass Medal of Merit, Army Service Ribbon and Mass Emergency Service Ribbon. 

A private interment was held at Needham Cemetery, Needham, MA.  Donations in Gerarde’s name may be made to Dedham Community House, 671 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

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