Gerald Stoker

Gary was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and attended Wiley High School. He obtained his degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and was classmates with Neil Armstrong. Gary then moved to Florida and assisted with constructing one of the first wind tunnels at Embry-Riddle University while attending law school in the evening. His studies were interrupted when he was called into service as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. After serving, he changed career paths and attended medical school at Indiana University. He completed his internship at San Diego County General Hospital and his residency in Dermatology at the University of Michigan, where he also taught as an assistant professor. Gary moved to Tampa in 1971 and practiced Dermatology in private practice in Tampa and later at the V.A. in Ashville, North Carolina for over 40 years. He was one of the first Mohs surgeons in Tampa. Gary was president of the Hillsborough County Medical Association from 1985-1986.

Gary was a member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, Tampa Yacht & Country Club, The University Club, Avila Golf & Country Club, and Carrollwood Village Golf & Country Club. Gary enjoyed tennis, boating, and fishing, and he always had a joke to tell his patients and friends. One of his favorite fishing spots was along the Weeki Wachee River where he had a home for many years.

Gary is survived by his two sisters, Sherry Devore of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Vanissa Hannah, of Vista, California, and his children, Valerie Litschgi (Al), Doug Stoker (Ronda), Zachary Stoker (Jessica), Nick Stoker (MaKenna), and Brooke Stoker, and grandchildren, Tori Litschgi, Byrne Litschgi, Brett Litschgi, Courtney Latta, Kyle Stoker, Bradley Stoker, Jackson Stoker, and Imogen Stoker. Gary’s warm heart, generous spirit and humor will be greatly missed.