Gloede, Gary William LTC (Ret) USAF Died peacefully at Vitas Ruth Hospice after a long battle with bladder cancer. Gary was born on September 19, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to Herman Gloede and Felicia Warszawiak. Gary attended St. Hedwigs grade school, Chaminade High School, and St. John's University in New York. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Kathryn (nee Drobka). Dear father of Patricia (Alex) Knowles. Dear brother of Susan (Joseph) D'Amato. Fond son-in-law of Walter and Louise Drobka and brother-in-law of Tom, John, Steven, Richard (Terri), Sally (Mike), James (Cindy), Teresa (Jay), Karen, Lynn (James) and Patricia (Terry). Further survived by nieces and nephews. Gary loved his country, and served 28 years in the Air Force. His first eight years started at the end of the Vietnam War and continued with the last 20 years as a navigator in the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee, WI. Gary proudly promoted the Air Guard to many young men and women. He had a way with people, loved to chat, and was a good mentor to young recruits. When performing his job, he was serious, but smiles and laughs when the work was done. Gary retired in 1999, but continued to volunteer as a driver for blind veterans, driving other veterans to the EAA, and helped in Community Projects for Seniors. Memorial visitation will be held at the Funeral Home Thursday March 8th from 4:00-7:00 PM. Memorial services at 7:00 PM. Private interment. Memorials to the Fisher House for Veterans (www.fisherhouse.org) are appreciated. He lived his life his way