GARY JOE VETETO

October 20, 1946 – May 7, 2022

Gary Joe Veteto, age 75, of Bakersfield, California, died Saturday evening, May 7, 2022, surrounded by his family at his beloved home. Born October 20, 1946, in Trumann, Arkansas, he was the eldest son of the late Harold Clinton Veteto and Estelle Blanche Veteto. In his early childhood, his family moved from Arkansas to Fresno, California. Gary then moved from Fresno to Bakersfield, California, in 1968, where he met his beautiful wife, Barbara Jeannette Veteto, whom he married on December 20, 1969.

Gary proudly served in the United States Navy, Rank CT3, from August 19, 1964 to August 19, 1967. As a Cryptologic Technician, he performed a wide range of tasks supporting the national intelligencegathering effort and signal intelligence-related products. After the military, Gary spent 35 plus years in the banking industry and was Vice President of Commercial Loans when he retired in 2011.

Gary enjoyed traveling and trying out new restaurants with his wife, Barbara, both foodies. Gary and Barbara loved to gamble or, as he would say, “he donated” to the Native American casinos. They loved visiting Reno and Vegas, where they would say jokingly, they were spending their children's inheritance.

Gary loved the outdoors, especially the Sequoia mountains and Lake Tahoe area. The love of mountains and nature was passed down to his children, Anthony Veteto and Nicole Veteto. There were many vacation trips to Johnsondale at the R-Ranch cabin and Lake Tahoe, providing wonderful family memories for his children and grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara Jeannette Veteto; along with two children; Anthony Veteto and Nicole Veteto, daughter in law; Christine Veteto, three grandchildren; Matthew Veteto, Andrew Veteto, and Gavin Docksteader; brother; Ricci Veteto, and many loving relatives in Arkansas.

Graveside services for Gary Joe Veteto will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Bakersfield National Cemetery located at 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA 93203 (Please arrive 30 minutes early). Friends of the family may attend the graveside service, but we ask that you wear Hawaiian attire as dad loved his Hawaiian shirts.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the cause closest to your heart in Gary Veteto's name.