Blase “Chips” Sugamele was born March 13, 1925, in Jeanette, Pa., to Saverio and Rose Sugamele. He graduated in 1942 from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, Calif.

He peacefully returned to the Lord Dec. 26, with his family by his side.

During World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard an aircraft carrier and several other ships including the USS Argonne, which fired on the Japanese planes during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and later was the command ship for Vice Admiral Halsey. While serving as a crewmember on that ship, Chips performed shore patrol in Tokyo just after Japan’s surrender. It was during this time he earned the nickname “Chips” because of his skills as the ships carpenter.

Chips and his beloved wife, Lyla, met at a roller skating rink in Modesto, Calif., and were married on July 6, 1946, in Fresno, Calif. After living many years in Torrance, Calif., they relocated to Lake Havasu City on June 20, 1972, with McCulloch Corp., where Chips was proudly employed as a supervisor for 36 years.

He is survived by his wife Lyla of 63 years; sons, Lon (Linda) Sugamele, of Lake Havasu City, Michael (Elaine) Sugamele, of Escondido, Calif., Roger (Amy) Sugamele, of Lake Havasu City, Joey (Barb) Sugamele, of Lake Havasu City; daughter, Cindy (Doug) Gabriel, of Scottsdale; grandchildren, David (Jen) Sugamele, Steven (Crystal) Sugamele, Brett (Jessica) Sugamele, Brooke Sugamele, Ashley Whitney, Lindsey Whitney, Tyler Sugamele, Nicole Sugamele, Krista (Corey) Perkins, Jolenne (Riley) Hinson, Kerri Ferguson, Colton Esala, Shylah Gabriel, Ciarra Gabriel; great-grandchildren, Gage, Skylee, Claire, Alexie, Hagen, Blake, Dannika; brothers; Mark Sugamele, Richard (Charlene) Sugamele; and sister, Rosie Kester.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Frank, Paul, Joe and Sam.

Our father’s passion in life was his family. His favorite hobbies were bowling, carpentry, camping and quad riding with all his family.

Chips and Lyla first attended Stonebridge Christian Assembly of God in 1972 when they moved to Lake Havasu City, where he served as the treasurer for many years.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 9, 2010, at Stonebridge Christian Assembly of God in Lake Havasu City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chips’ name can be made to KNLB Christian Radio, P.O. Box 747, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405; or Stonebridge Christian Fellowship (Gymnasium), 2700 S. Jamaica, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406.