Gary Aaron Kolko

Gary Aaron Kolko spent a lifetime researching his ancestors and generations of his family and entering the results into loose-leaf notebooks. Gary became part of that history Sunday February 18, 2018 when he died at the age of 87 after a long illness.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Gary’s service took him to a variety of places, but somehow, only stations that began with A or B, except for Fairbanks, AK. He served as an air traffic controller, but even late in life, treasured a small, brown notebook he used as a bartender in an officer’s club that he used to remember things about his customers. After the Air Force, he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller. He left that field, and went into the systems design field, designing computer systems for casinos, hotels and hospitals.

In addition to his lifelong interest in genealogy, Gary was a student of Judaism and passed its traditions down to his three daughters. Each daughter received one of his notebooks with the family history as they were married, and he carried on the tradition for his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was active in Jewish and other community organizations in towns that he lived in including Dayton, Ohio; Kansas City; Minneapolis; Phoenix; and Fort Myers, FL. Chief of his activities was volunteering in hospitals in every town he lived following retirement.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he attended Kansas State University and graduated from Ottawa University, in Ottawa, Kansas. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Geri (Snitz), and daughters Karen (Doug Fenichel), Laura (Mark Brennaman) and Mira Beth (David Grossman). He also leaves a sister, Norma (Phillips) Kolko, and is predeceased by his brother, Phillip. He also leaves 11 grandchildren Eli (Tonka) Fenichel, Alina Brennaman, Sherry (Louis) Poulin, Ross (Cassie) Brennaman, Ethan (Emily) Fenichel, Danielle Merriman, Sydney Merriman, Aaron Grossman, Andrew Grossman, Alex Grossman, and Mackenzie Grossman and five great granddaughters.

A graveside service for Gary will be held Monday, February 19, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913. Arrangements are under the direction of Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.leememorialpark.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Gary's name to a charity of your choice.