Marine Gunnery Sergeant Aaron A Furness, born in Pontiac, Michigan, the beloved son of Ted and Mary (Zonca) Furness.
On May 19, 2000 he married Heather Fox in Bloomfield Hills. Aaron served his country in the U.S. Marines for 19 years and did a tour in Iraq from 2007 to 2008.
His military awards and medals include Good Conduct Medal (6th award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation (unit award), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Mast, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Certificate of Commendation (Individual Award), Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Those left to cherish his memory, his wife Heather; son Lucas, his mother: Mary, brothers: James and Nicholas (Jill), grandmothers: Ruth Sprague and Shirley Furness.
He was preceded in death by his father Ted and his brother Kyle.
GySgt Aaron A Furness lost his battle with PTS on September 24, 2015. He was 38 years old.
When i found out this had happened a few years back I didnt even believe it. I served with GySgt Furness at 2nd Maint BN OMC for about 2.5/3yrs. He was always smiling, laughing, just being Gunny. Even to this day its hard to believe that this is how he went out. My heart goes out to his wife and son, and all his family and friends that didnt know what was going on. If ever your in need of help never hesitate to reach out, you’d be surprised by how many truly love and care about you. R.I.P. Warrior! Semper Fidelis!!!
If someone wants to know about Aaron Furness, just ask one of the thousands of Marines he committed to his laughter and outgoing magnanimous personality. From telling his Marines to never wear a short sleeve button up, to never wear black and khaki together, or walking into the Fire Control shop and randomly taking a bite out of Marines sandwiches. Aaron was the epitome of an oustanding leader of Marines, a friend, and a scholar. He always pushed us to be our best self. Semper Fi brother Gysgt Furness. Love you brother. Gone but never forgotten.