Dr. Gary Lee Fultz's Obituary
Dr. Gary L. Fultz, age 85, of Rancho Bernardo, CA., passed away on February 20th, 2026. Gary was born on July 24th, 1940, in Pasadena, to Lee and Clara Fultz. Gary, and his younger brother, Dennis, enjoyed their childhood in Pasadena and later in a rural Parcel of land in Arcadia, CA. The brothers built forts and loved setting off “homemade” fireworks. Their mischief with frogs and lizards often resulted in ladies screaming! Gary earned the rank of Eagle Scout and after high school, he began his formal education at M.I.T. Gary graduated with a degree in Engineering in 1961. After an extensive backpacking trip around Northern Europe and then Egypt and Jordan, he returned to Southern California. Gary began working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. He was part of the team that transmitted the first pictures of Mars to Earth.
Gary met his first wife, Sharon, at J.P.L. They married in 1967, and shortly after the birth of his daughter in 1971, Gary completed his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering at U.C.L.A in 1972. Before his son was born 1975, Gary and his family moved to Manhattan Beach, CA, where Gary continued a career in aerospace at TRW/Northrop Grumman Corp.
Gary and Sharon parted ways in 1980. Gary met his second wife, Carole, at TRW, and in they wed in 1985. They enjoyed trips to France and Gary became president of the TRW Enology Club. When not working, they enjoyed their large circle of friends and hosted numerous themed parties and get togethers. They also continued to travel and hosted epic family vacations.
Gary and Carole retired and moved to San Diego in 1998. They enjoyed playing leisure sports and continued traveling. Gary was a genius with numbers and served on several HOA boards. He took up lawn bowling and enjoyed the sport and community immensely. He will be remembered for his remarkable contributions in space exploration and technology, his sense of humor, his sweet genuine smile, and his gourmet cooking skills.
Gary is survived by his wife Carole, daughter Lorelei, son Darren and his grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April, 2nd, 2026, at 11:00am at the Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido, CA. Flowers are welcome at the service. A live Zoom link is listed below for those who are unable to attend in person.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83408180837?pwd=U4VI5fWNgoK3TmcuvxAdKlxZMca2MR.1
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