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S2c Ernest Russell Gargaro
Ernest Russell Gargaro was born May 21, 1919 in Murray, Utah to Mike Gargaro, who operated a confectionery and grocery, and Marie Christina Gargaro, a homemaker.
The father, an Italian immigrant, died when Ernest was 19.
Ernest attended West High in Salt Lake City, then worked at photo studios in the West. The 1940 Census said he earned $566 in 1939 — equivalent to about $10,000 in 2019.
He enlisted in the Navy in April 1941 and less than eight months later was a seaman second class on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7.Sources: the Salt Lake City Telegram; The Salt Lake Tribune; Utah military service card; Census; Navy muster roll. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.