birthday with many family members just a few weeks before his passing.
Gary was a peace-time Army veteran, a dental technician, and an electrician. His most notable
job was with Florida Power & Light. This job gave him the opportunity to work in a bucket truck,
be involved in the building of Joe Robbie Stadium, and help after Hurricane Andrew. After his
retirement from FP&L, he spent his time working out at the gym, playing tennis, bowling,
showing up every Saturday morning for his grandkids bowling, and attending game nights with
family. The card game May-I and the board game Scrabble will always bring up a memory of
Gary - and how long it took him to precisely think through every move.
But how can you put a life in one paragraph? He was so much more than what he did. He was
stubborn - wearing shorts in the winter, keeping his little bright orange beetle bug car forever,
and refusing to accept help when it was offered. He was kind - sending mushy birthday cards
(he spent time on picking just the right one) to make you cry, helping to watch a sick grandchild,
or buying the exact bowling ball one of his grandkids wanted. He was proud - he bragged about
each and every accomplishment his children and grandchildren made. Gary was grateful to all
of his children, all of whom supported him through life, the same way he supported them.
Most of all he was and always will be - loved.
Gary is predeceased by his parents and brother. Gary is survived by his daughter Michele
Rodier, his sons and their wonderful wives - Michael (Jill) Starler, Eric (Heather) Starler, Shawn
(Dana) Starler and his 11 grandchildren - Jessica, Jonathan, Jayson, Brittany, Meghan, Brooke,
Nathan, Brianna, Braden, Abigail, Caitlyn. He is also survived by his ex-wife Shelley Koppele,
and his step-sister Carolyn Bloodhart.
A private family ceremony will be held at the interment.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 24th from 11am to 9pm.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in his name to:
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