David Gerth

David (Dave) Michael Gerth, a resident of Lutz, Florida, for 23 years, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026, after bravely battling a glioblastoma diagnosis for four months. He died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, Ellen Celine Gross-Gerth.

Serving as a beacon of strength, grace, and dignity, Dave balanced an unyielding inner fortitude with a profoundly sensitive heart. He felt the world deeply, listening with full attention. Dave was a quiet force, whose wisdom, integrity, and steady resilience grounded those around him. When Dave spoke, people listened. While he was a serious man, Dave had a brilliant sense of humor and an engaging, quick wit that always brought laughter and lightness, leaving an indelible footprint on everyone who knew him.

Dave was a proud alumnus of Central Michigan University, Class of 1980, Chaminade University of Hawaii, Class of 1979, and Grove City High School, Class of 1973. His high school years reflected his adventurous and unconventional spirit that he would carry throughout his life. He played guitar in a hippie rock band and worked in the circus, experiences that allowed him to embrace new ventures and challenges. After graduating from high school, Dave hitchhiked across the country, setting out to explore where life would lead him.

Dave served honorably in the US Army for seven years, where he worked at the Pentagon, as well as in Korea and in Honolulu, Hawaii. During his service, his deep sense of duty, perseverance, and leadership earned him multiple honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal (twice), Good Conduct Medal, and Marksman (Rifle) Accolade.

Following the military, Dave launched his remarkable 30-year career with IBM, where his dedication, intelligence, and steady determination continued to shape the life he built and the many people whose lives he touched profoundly.

A man of many passions, Dave cherished traveling the world, experiencing new places, cultures, and people along the way. He had an enthusiasm for nature, art, and culinary endeavors, pursuing with great skill a myriad of hobbies. An accomplished athlete, he was a Hapkido Blackbelt and a former marathon runner, as well as a talented guitarist, chef, art collector, genealogist, and a prolific reader.

Above all else, Dave’s steadfast dedication and commitment throughout his life shone most fervently in his deep, unwavering love for his family. Dave is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 35 years, Ellen Celine Gross-Gerth, his cherished daughter Olivia Marie Gerth, his son-in-law Colin Douglas VanderHorn, and his grandbaby Nova Gabe VanderHorn. He is preceded in death by his son Gabriel Arthur Gerth, his parents Marilyn (Billiter) and Thomas Gerth, his brother Donald Gerth, and his in-laws Samuel and Ina Gross.

To honor David Gerth's life and legacy, we invite you to share your memories and photos on his memorial page. Your tributes will serve as a comforting reminder of the impact Dave made on so many lives and will help to celebrate his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Tampa General Hospital Foundation in memory of David Gerth. To make a secure online gift, please visit www.tgh.org/foundation/giving/make-a-gift and select “Brain Cancer Fund” from the drop-down menu. Checks may be mailed to TGH Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1289, Tampa, FL 33601. Please reference Brain Cancer Fund in the memo line. For questions, please contact Jordan Klein, Senior Director of Development, Neurosciences at jordanklein@tgh.org