Gail Raymond Core

January 27, 1922 - December 21, 2011

Gail R. Core, 89, passed away Wednesday, at his home in Benicia surrounded by family, following a long battle with cancer. Gail, also known as the “Silver Fox” to those close to him, was born to Roy and Minnie Gableman Core in Louisville, Nebraska on January 27, 1922. He was raised in Nebraska and his parents, brothers and sisters remained there. In 1946, Gail made Benicia his home and was a proud and honored longtime member of the community. He worked as an inspector for the Department of Defense for 28 years, retiring in 1977 and served as a 1st Sergeant in the Army National Guard for 25 years, retiring in 1978. Gail was very active in the local community. He was a longtime member of Benicia’s Native Sons Parlor #89, Captain of the Benicia Fire District, and member of the Vallejo Moose Lodge and St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 63 years, Catherine Odelia; sisters, Mim, Verla and Leota; brothers, Ed and George; and grandchildren, Craig Core and Scott Stevens. Survivors include his daughters, Kay (John) Buckland and Judy Franzi (Stan) Price; sons, Jerry (Jeannette), Gail R. II (Martha), Roger (Barbara), Rocky (Jane) and David (Susan); 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren and longtime friends, Billy Mathews, June Mahoney and Vicki Cooper. Celebration of the Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Dominic’s Church, 475 East I St., Benicia. Entombment will be private at St. Dominic’s Cemetery, East 5th and Hillcrest Ave., Benicia. Memorial contributions are preferred to Kaiser Hospice or St. Dominic’s Church.