Gerald William Hartke, 84 of Tampa, Florida passed on February 28, 2024. Gerald was born in Dayton, Ohio. He received his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton and then a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He proudly served in United States Army as a Captain and then worked for the Department of Defense, Naval Air Systems Command for 19 years. Gerald loved being with his family, watching CNBC and football, talking about the economy, debating about politics and volunteering at the library to help seniors prepare their taxes.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Emma & Arthur Hartke; aunt, Ellen Gaffney and uncle, Robert Hartke. He is survived by his loving wife, Gilda Huerta Hartke; daughter, Kathleen Hartke; son in law, Daniel Stachurski; granddaughter, Myra Stachurski; brothers, James, Richard, Michael, and Robert along with their families, including many nephews and nieces and their families.
Donations can be made to Dayton Children's Hospital in Ohio; please be sure to select 'Honor someone special with my gift' and make the donation in the memory of Ezra J. Hartke. Please see link under donations below.
Once services are finalized we will update the obituary.
