Obituary of Gregory Michael Gard

GARD, Gregory “Greg” Michael, 62, passed away March 4, 2019 at his home in Lutz, Florida. He was born in Wichita, Kansas and moved to Lauderhill, Florida. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Greg then moved to Tampa in 1975 to attend University of South Florida’s Fine Arts Program.

He has been a Lutz resident since 1985 and was a charter member of the board for the Windemere Special Taxing District.

Greg spent his career, spanning over 35 years, at the University of South Florida. He was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Greg enjoyed the space program, golf, sailing, sky diving, car races, playing (and debating) over table-top games such as Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, shooting pool and his friends. He would take on any building and repairing project and figure it out, he especially enjoyed woodworking.

Greg was an avid USF Bulls fan. He will be remembered for his playful expression “no fun allowed.”

He is survived by spouse Karen (nee Bowman): his beloved children:

Elyse (Alexander) Ledford, Andrew “Drew” and Kelly Anne Gard. As well as the sparkle in his eyes and smile on his mouth, granddaughters Addison Grace and Olivia Rose Ledford. Also, his cherished baby sister, Michelle “Missy” Gard (Curt Goodrick).

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Shelly and Rosemary (nee Newman); siblings, Andy, Christine, and Brian. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Greg’s name to the USF Botanical Garden, Life Path Hospice, or Knights of Columbus. Their respective locations are listed below.

University of South Florida Botanical Gardens 

Attention:  Laurie Walker, Director, NES107

4202 East Fowler Avenue

Tampa, FL 33620

USFBG is close to the heart of Greg and the Gard Family.

Lifepath Hospice

on-line: Chapters Health.org

mail:  12470 Telecom Drive
Suite 300 West

Temple Terrace, FL 33637

Donation used for unfunded services (children's grief camps, bereavement services, etc.)

St. Vincent De Paul

Our Lady Of the Rosary

2348 Collier Parkway

Land O Lakes, FL 34639

A favored charity of Greg's 

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