Ordained in 2005, Deacon Gary was assigned to both St. Anne’s Parish in Seal Beach (2005–2013) and St. Hedwig Parish in Los Alamitos (2005–present). Served on the Deacon Personnel Board (2014–2020) and formulated the Diocese retirement criteria for deacons. While at both parishes was involved in RCIA, Marriage Annulments, Baptisms, Vigils, Funerals and Graveside services. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Deacon Gary graduated from Aquinas High School in San Bernardino in 1961 and earned a B.A. degree in 1966 from the University of Wyoming. He was commissioned into the USAF, became a senior pilot, and was awarded numerous combat decorations as a forward Air Controller in Vietnam and Cambodia.
After obtaining a Master’s Degree in 1977, he accepted a position with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigating aircraft accidents in the New York and Denver Field offices. In 1985, he was appointed the Regional Director to the NTSB office in Los Angeles and was awarded his Doctorate in Public Administration in 1990. He retired from the NTSB in 1999.
He is married to Christine Ciasca (a former flight attendant, and a Human Resource specialist); has two children and three grandchildren. He loves traveling and relaxing with Chris during their “52 Weeks” of vacation time per year! Although officially retired from the Diaconate, Deacon Gary is still serving “because the work isn’t finished.”