Gary L. Kepler

Gary Lee Kepler passed away peacefully, under hospice care, on January 20, 2024. Gary was born on September 6, 1943, in Titusville, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his brother, Samuel Kepler (Wilma) and two nieces, Marcia Kepler and Rachel Kepler. Gary had several very close friends of over fifty years: Herb Louck, Tom Wittner, George Milanovich and Judy & Bill Baum. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy Darwin Kepler and Hazel Elizabeth Kepler and by his brother, Thomas Kepler. Gary graduated from Meadville High School in Pennsylvania and Cornell University. He was then employed as an accountant at Harris, Kerr, Forester, an accounting firm in New York City. In 1966 he went to Officer Candidate School and joined the Navy as a Commissioned Officer. He served aboard the USS Bennington and at the Naval Air Station, Imperial Beach, California. When discharged, Gary elected to stay in San Diego where he moved from a career in hotel management to eventually retiring after many years of service at Jack in the Box Corporate Financial Office. In retirement, Gary decided to move back to Florida where he had spent many years as a child. Gary devoted much time and energy for many years serving on the Board of Directors of the condos where he lived, both in San Diego and Sarasota. Gary enjoyed walking and bicycling in San Diego and Sarasota and often pedaled more than 50 miles a day. Gary could be seen regularly walking or pedaling in his uniform of the day, shorts and a white pocket tee-shirt. Doing this, Gary learned his way around both cities very well and enjoyed taking visitors on tours. He loved the sun and the beaches and eating his lunch by the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. While living in Sarasota, Gary made arrangements for his older brother, Tom, to be placed in a nearby assisted living facility where Gary spent time with him almost every day for five years until Tom passed. Gary also willingly gave of his time and energy to assist neighbors in his condo. Gary was a very kind neighbor, friend and caregiver. Family members will gather in Sarasota when Gary’s ashes are interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. To send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Gary L. Kepler

September 6, 1943 - January 20, 2024

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