Stephen Gary Suarez, age 71, passed away peacefully at home on January 25 ^th , 2018 after a lengthy illness.  Stephen was a disabled Vietnam War veteran and was very proud he served his country. He was with Bravo Company, First 508 Infantry, 82 ^nd Airborne Division and served as a Combat Infantryman, Paratrooper, Sharp Shooter, Assistant Machine Gunner and Aircraft Crewman. He earned several medals, including the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Stephen grew up in Gilroy. He was on the varsity wrestling team in his junior year of high school. He was in an article in a Gilroy newspaper when he returned from Vietnam to honor his bravery and share his experience.

Stephen is survived by his sister Pat Suarez and three sons: Christopher Suarez, Steven Suarez, and Joseph Suarez.  He has four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Suarez and Nellie Quinn.

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 12:00 PM at  Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4 ^th St. Gilroy, CA 95020.

Burial will follow at 2:30 pm in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 W. McCabe Road  Santa Nella, CA 95322.