Gary Glockner

Gary was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on March 11, 1942 to William J. Glockner, Jr. and Lillian C. Reardon (Glockner). He graduated from Bergenfield High School before earning his mechanical engineering degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Gary was a successful engineer and entrepreneur who founded and sold numerous companies and held multiple patents for improvements to industrial valves and monitoring devices used in heavy manufacturing and the space industry. During his retirement, his love for engineering would still find him working on designs simply for the challenge of creating something better.

Living most of his life in New Jersey, Gary spent much of his down time on the golf course at the White Beeches Golf and Country Club in Haworth, NJ surrounded by his many friends. Gary always found joy in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting and particularly golfing, though nothing could compare to his love of cooking gourmet meals for his family and friends.

While on a business trip in Natchez, Mississippi in 1993, he met the love of his life, Claudia Moore, and the two wed in 2000.

Gary is survived by his wife, Claudia Moore of Irmo, SC, and his three children: Kim Glockner of Sparks, Nevada; Gary Glockner of McKinney, Texas, and his wife, Joy and Kristin Ognibene of Old Tappan, New Jersey and her husband, Peter. He is also survived by a brother, Rodney Glockner.

Gary’s grandchildren include Jacquelyn (Glockner) Neerings and her husband, Carsen, Matthew Schupner, Adam Schupner, Jessica Glockner, Joshua Glockner, Jacob Glockner, Elizabeth Ognibene, Caroline Ognibene, and Peter Ognibene. Gary’s great-grandchildren include Evangeline Schupner and Grayson Neerings. With nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and another on the way, the Glockner family continues to grow.

Gary also leaves behind two step-sons, Ron Aiken of Columbia, SC, and his wife, Leesa, and Andrew Aiken of Evans, GA, and his wife, Brook and grandchildren, Jacob Benggio, Levi Benggio and his wife, Claire and Kailee Aiken, who he taught to do a cartwheel and use a putter.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Paula Crouch of Columbia, SC, who loved him very much and was present when Gary met Claudia.

Glockner was a world traveler and loved history, Sherlock Holmes, playing and teaching others to play backgammon, spirited discussions about any topic and was always receptive and interested to hear everyone’s opinions.

Gary will forever be remembered for his genuine kindness and unselfish love through the many stories and memories he leaves those who loved him with.

A memorial gathering with family to celebrate Gary’s life is planned for later this year.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmwoodfhcolumbia.com for the Glockner family.