Leonard Gotler

Leonard Gotler, 92, of Tampa, died in Los Angeles on June 20, 2022.  A proud Tampa native, Leonard was born in 1929 to Perley and Rose Gotler.  After graduating from Hillsborough High School and the University of Tampa, Leonard enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and earning a Bronze Star Medal. Upon returning home, Leonard completed a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He then began a long career devoting his talents to helping others, including serving as Executive Director and CEO of the Hillsborough County Easter Seals Center in Tampa for nearly 20 years. Dedicated to public service, Leonard served as chairman of the Adult Education Advisory Council for Hillsborough County Schools, board member of Suncoast Shared Living, member of the accessibility advisory committee for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Convention Center, president of the West Hillsborough Lions Club, and as a member of numerous other social service agency boards and coordinating groups.  Recognizing his service to his community, Leonard received a resolution of appreciation from the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners in 1985.  A long-time member of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Tampa, Leonard was active in its men’s club and lent his beautiful baritone voice to its choir. Leonard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Tara and Richard Rogachefsky, son Steven, son and daughter-in-law Ross and Rachel Gotler, grandchildren Benjamin and Michael Rogachefsky and Maya and Jacob Gotler, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Elaine Gotler, in 2017. Leonard lived a long and fulfilling life and will be remembered, as beautifully described by a family member, as “truly one of the most kind, loving, and gentle men.”  Up until his final days, ice cream, dogs, and his grandchildren would bring a smile to Leonard’s face. May the memory of Leonard’s kindness and generosity be for a blessing.

A graveside service will take place Monday, June 27, 11:00AM at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. 4202 E. Lake Avenue. Tampa, FL 33610. Zoom live stream info is below

Topic: Gotler service 
Time: Jun 27, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8138743330?pwd=eGw5Tk9TYmVvcXVhTVQrVGdUeXIzdz09

Meeting ID: 813 874 3330
Passcode: SEGAL2022