Thomas William Gertenbach passed away Sunday, September 22. Tom was born in Orlando, Florida May 23, 1973.
He graduated from Oak Ridge High School and took classes at Flagler College in St. Augustine. He was only 51 years old, but touched so many hearts with his smile and wit. Tom loved to fish and camp with family and friends. He was reserved, so not the guy you would see in every picture, even though he was quite handsome, but he was the first person at family gatherings to help clean up, he was the guy you could depend on to help you launch your boat, clean your fish, or set up camp. And he was the best guy on the dance floor!
Tom was generous with his time and expertise, helping friends and family when needed. He helped a good friend take care of her father who was suffering from Parkinson’s, which allowed her father to stay home in his last years, always treating her father with dignity and respect. He was a skilled worker who excelled in many construction trades including carpentry, HVAC, and convention setups. If a neighbor or friend needed help with any fix-it project, they knew they could ask Tom to help and he would be there.
Although Tom never married and had no children of his own, his easy-going personality endeared him to children. He was athletic and so he was the one who was recruited to run up and down streets teaching children to ride a bike or play basketball in the pool. He appreciated and respected nature, loved sunrises and sunsets, swimming at the beach, hanging out at a lake. Tom was fun to be with, had a good sense of humor and an infectious laugh. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
Tom is survived by his mother Kathi Gertenbach, brother Rick Gertenbach, nephew Derrick Gertenbach, uncle George Gertenbach (Pattie), aunt Jean Gertenbach (Jack Sperling), uncle David Becker, aunt Nancy McAllister, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Robert “Bob”, brother Dan, and sister Cindy.