Denis J. Gartner

Denis was born on February 12, 1940, to John and Marie Gartner in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. He later moved to Dansville, New York, where he attended and graduated from Dansville Central High School.

At the age of 19, Denis proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. He devoted 23 years of his life to serving his country and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. During his military career, Denis worked as a meteorologist, a profession that became one of his greatest passions. He loved every aspect of the military and had an enduring fascination with the weather.

After retiring from the Air Force, Denis continued to study and follow the weather with great enthusiasm. He was always eager to share his knowledge and explain what was happening in the skies around him. Moving to Florida in 1988 was a perfect fit for Denis, giving him endless opportunities to observe thunderstorms, rain, winds, and hurricanes. For a man who loved weather, Florida was truly a dream come true.

In 1980, Denis met the love of his life, Patsy. Together, they built a family that became the most important part of Denis's life. Denis and Patsy shared 45 years of marriage filled with love, family, and memories.

Denis had many interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He enjoyed watching baseball, NASCAR, and boxing, and he could often be found following his favorite sporting events. Whether watching sports, reading the newspaper, or keeping a close eye on the weather, Denis always had something interesting to share.

Denis also had a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors. As a child, he enjoyed hiking, shooting BB guns, and simply being outside and enjoying life as a typical boy. Throughout his life, that appreciation for nature never left him.

When Denis wasn't watching the weather, reading the newspaper, or enjoying his favorite sports, he could often be found spending time with his best friend, his beloved dog, Lovey. Lovey spent countless hours by Denis's side and brought him tremendous companionship and joy.

Denis will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his remarkable knowledge and love of weather, his affection for animals and the outdoors, his enjoyment of sports, and most of all, his devotion to his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Denis is survived by his son, Hilton (Patty) Newball; grandchildren, David (Cassie) Thompson and Tanya Forrester; his sister, Rita (Thomas) Bentley; nephews, Scott and Brian; and his great-grandchildren, Dominic, Jessie, Alex, David Jr., and Christian.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Denis lived a life of service, passion, love, and family—and that his memory will continue to live on in the people and animals he loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held at Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652, US, on September 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Graveside with Military Honors will take place at External Service Location, 4244 Madison St, New Port Richey, FL 34653, US, on September 14, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.