Dr. Gerard C. Gorniak

He was born in Erie, Pa on April 23, 1949 Gerard “Gary” graduated from Cathedral Prep HS in Erie, and received BS in Physical Therapy from the SUNY at Buffalo and then a PhD. in Anatomical Sciences from the SUNY of Buffalo School of Medicine.

He was married to Jo Ellen Kierzek Gorniak for 52 years on August 14, 1971.

Gary was an active parishioner at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Quincy Florida and at St Anastasia Catholic Church in St Augustine Florida. At St. Thomas, he was a member of the music ministry, finance council, and conducted several faith teaching seminars. He also gave multiple talks in Life in the Spirit seminars and at local prayer groups. He was a leader in Cursillo, the Charismatic Renewal and several prayer groups. Gary made 8 missionary trips to Eastern Europe with Tom Edwards and Renewal Ministries. He was also active in his community as the President, Vice President and board member of the Magnolia Forest Homeowners Association.

After receiving a degree in Physical Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1971, he earned a Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences from the College of Medicine in 1976. He then went to The University of Michigan for 5 years as a NIH post-doctoral scholar with Professor Carl Gans working in muscle transplantation, biomechanics, and functional anatomy. In 1981, Gary accepted an Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biological Science and Program in Medical Sciences at Florida State University and became an Assistant Director of Clinical Affairs, Program in Medical Sciences in 1986. In 1988, he joined the Physical Therapy Program at Florida A&M University as an Assistant Professor. In 1994, Dr. Gorniak helped start the physical therapy program at the Institute of Physical Therapy now known as the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, as an Associate professor and was promoted in 1999 to full Professor. From 2000–2008, he was the Director of Physical Therapy Program at the University and the Director of the Institute of Physical Therapy from 2006–2008. From 1986–1997 he also practiced Physical Therapy part-time. He retired in 2015 and began tutoring online with Wyzant in Anatomy and Biomechanics.

Dr. Gorniak published 8 books on Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Human Body, Video Dissector of the Human Body series, and over 30 peer reviewed journal articles. He delivered many invited presentations and workshops on Human Anatomy and the Mechanics of Human Motion. He was a reviewer for several journals and an associate editor for the Journal of Morphology; an Item Writer and Reviewer for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, served on the Medical Advisory Board for Medical Personnel Pool, and was active in the Florida Physical Therapy Association as a member of the Ethics Committee, Board of Directors, Practice Panel Coordinator, Research committee chair and a delegate to the National Assembly. He is listed in American Men and Women in Science, Who’s Who in the Midwest, and Who’s Who in the South.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Jo Ellen Gorniak; his parents Walter and Delphine Gorniak; his in-laws Joseph and Ellen Kierzek; His brother David Gorniak, his sister Marlene Kern and her husband Jim Kern; his brother Paul Gorniak and his wife Doreen Gorniak; his brother-in-law Timothy Kierzek, his sister-in-law Mary Copple and her husband John Copple, his sister-in-law Kathleen Meyer and her husband Gary Meyer.

Gary is survived by his daughter Michelle McKenzie and husband Danny McKenzie, his son Brian Gorniak and wife April Gorniak, his grandchildren Hannah McKenzie, Savannah Gorniak, Simon Gorniak and Samuel Gorniak; his sister Mary Ann Biernik (Joe Chromik), brother in law Mark Biernik; nieces and nephews Buffy Lee, Jennifer and Kyle Longstreet, Johnny Copple, Michelle Shultz, Mike Kern, Kelly and Jake Portenier, Joel Gorniak, Chris Gorniak, Nick and Lisa Biernik, David Biernik and many great nieces and nephews as well as cousins and beloved friends and adopted kids.

Gary loved his wife and enjoyed her company and just being with her, he really missed her. He also loved his family, he especially loved his Children and Grandchildren very much and gave thanks for them daily for the blessings they brought, and he was proud of all their accomplishments.

Gary was a teacher at heart and loved to impart information and watch the “A WHA REACTION” in those listening. Gary also enjoyed writing, reading, and gardening. He also had a love for St Joseph, Mary, and souls in Purgatory. He would offer each breath for those souls who had no one to pray for them, gave talks on indulgences for the souls and prayed for them every time he passed a cemetery. Gary donated his body to the University of Florida.

We love you, until next time.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 27 North Shadow Street, Quincy, Florida 32351

Funeral arrangements will be at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 27 North Shadow Street Quincy Florida. A memorial Mass will be held on October 18, 2024, at 11:30 AM.