Marvin Louis Giambernardi, a proud veteran of the 149th Texas Air National Guard, passed away Friday, July 25, surrounded by family.

Born on December 15, 1937, the son of Louis and Laura Giambernardi, Marvin grew up in San Antonio, Texas on the family farm near Fort Sam Houston.  He attended St. Patrick's -Catholic School and then graduated from Central Catholic High School (1956).  He played both baseball and football for the Buttons.

Being inspired by troops that marched near his home during WWII, his cousin Rene (Marines), as well as a plane that had to perform an emergency landing on their farm.  Encouraged Marvin to enlist in the Catholic Central Army ROTC and upon graduation entered active service at age 17. Shortly thereafter, Marvin joined the Texas Air National Guard.  He served in the Air National Guard for almost 40 years.  When he was a young staff sergeant, Marvin did short tours of duty in Vietnam where he helped develop the C130 cargo plane as an assault aircraft.  He later served as a flight engineer on C124 and XC-99 cargo aircraft.  After that, Marvin became a crew chief on various fighter aircraft and worked on 11 different fighters from P-51 Mustangs to F-16's and numerous cargo aircraft over his career.

As part of his military service, he started one of the first Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) labs.  He later became chief of aircraft maintenance at Kelly AFB for the 149th Tactical Fighter Wing Group.  He obtained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and received The Air Force Accommodation Medal with Silver Clusters, The Air Force Achievement Medal, and several medals for valor, service, campaign, and unit awards.  In addition, Marvin received awards from NASA for helping to develop NDI protocols utilized in the space program.

In his life outside the Military, Marvin was known for his friendly demeanor and master electrician skill set.  Marvin was an active Master Electrician (IBEW Local 60) for more than 65 years.  In retirement, he successfully completed the New Braunfels Citizens Police Academy and later served two terms as their President.  Moreover, he lent his time to the Blue Santa Programs and New Braunfels Conservation Society.  Marvin will be truly missed.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Ann Giambernardi, his sons, Troy Giambernardi (Jadene) and Chris Giambernardi, and bonus children, Amy Wintz (Danny), Julie Rastrelli (Leonard), and Marty Matheaus.  In addition, his granddaughters, Lauren Van Wylick (Chase), Katelyn Giambernardi, Ashley Giambernardi, and Kara Matheaus. As well as numerous nieces, cousins, in-laws and loved ones.

A service honoring the life of Marvin Louis Giambernardi will be held at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home (189 N. Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, TX.) August 4 from 5 - 7 PM (Rosary at 6 PM). The Funeral Mass will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church (386 N. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX.) Tuesday, August 5 at 10 AM.  Followed by an internment (with full military honors) at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Last, the family would like to extend their gracious thanks for the Hope Hospice as well as Nieves ("Snow") Martinez (care giver) to whom a simple "thank you" does not do justice for the level of sincerity, courtesy, and professionalism shown to Marvin and our family.  In addition, we would like to thank the New Braunfels Fire Department for the numerous rescues of my Dad when he fell.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to support Hope Hospice and the New Braunfels Conservation Society.