Gary Small - Roberson Funeral Home

Gary Small

February 23, 1931 - July 24, 2013

Gary R. Small, 82, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2013.

Gary was born February 23, 1931 in Iron Mountain, Michigan and moved to Port Charlotte 47 years ago from Marquette, MI. Gary devoted his professional career to education. He served as a school administrator in Charlotte County Florida most of his life. He devoted his final years to the establishment and development of the Charlotte Harbor School. He was a graduate of Northern Michigan College and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He served honorably in the United States Air Force as a bomber navigator during the Korean Conflict. In retirement, Gary and his wife Kaarina traveled between Florida and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he enjoyed the back drop of the northern woods. Gary was involved with Little League early in his life. He helped to establish the sport in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. An Aspiring Major League Baseball player himself, he remained a devoted New York Yankees fan all of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kaarina Osterberg Small; five children, Amber (Trey) McCartt, of Elsah, IL, Liisa (Tipper) Nichols of Boston, MA, John (Jill) of Satellite Beach, FL, Kris of Englewood FL, and Anna Conti, of Port Charlotte, FL as well as five grandchildren, Waylon (Nicole) and Sarah West, Kris Jr., Katie, and Christian Small of Cape Coral and Naples, FL and four great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his brothers and sisters: Nancy (Dick) Toyra of Marquette, Janice, of Melbourne, FL, and Daryl (Eileen) also of Marquette, MI, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Karen (Jack) Peterson, and Gene (Rae) and his parents, Elmer and June Small.

There are no funeral services scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte Harbor School 22450 Hancock Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33980.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the guest book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.

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Gary R. Small, 82, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Gary was born February 23, 1931 in Iron Mountain, Michigan and moved to Port Charlotte 47 years ago from Marquette, MI. Gary devoted his professional career to education. He served as a school administrator in Charlotte County Florida most of his…

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Gary was a special person to our family. As a young boy I remember him stopping by in Wabeno, Wi. to visit our family and how my mom was always so impressed with him and all he had accomplished. I especially remember feeling so proud of Gary when once he visited us in uniform. I am sure he was an influence in my decision to Join the Air Force and become a bomber pilot flying the B-52. It was fun in later years to visit with him and Kaarina in Florence, Wi. and talk about the good old days. I especially enjoyed his stories of my dad in the 30's and early 40's in Florence. I wish I would have taken the time to hear more for he could tell a good story. Gary, I salute you and know you will be missed by the many persons you have influenced. God Bless, Jim and Joan Swanson

To the Family of Gary Small. Please acept my deepest sympathy for your recent loss. I grew up with Gary and his sisters and brother while they lived in Florence, Wisconsin. Gary was an astute person and one great baseball player. I remember when he entered and served four years in the USAF during the Korean War.He excelled in his chosen field of education. May he rest in peace.

Dear Kaarina and family, I was saddened to hear of Gary's death. He was the first person I met in Port Charlotte and he hired me for my first job out of college in 1972. His support and guidance was instrumental in my success as a school psychologist and later as Cordinator of exceptional student education. We became a team that was called on to deal with every imaginable student problem. Gary's experience, empathy and knowledge was a great benefit to many children over the years. I enjoyed the camaraderie of those years when Gary, Barney, Mrs. Cheatham and myself were dealing with so many serious issues in such a positive and optimistic way. The problem-solving skills that Gary imparted to me have been a great benefit in my business career. He was just the mentor I needed fresh out of graduate school May God bless you, Bill and Joan Byrd

To Gary Small's family. I knew Gary and attended Elementary School with him and his sisters and brother when his family lived in Florence, WI. Although he was older than me, I remember when he entered the USAF during the Korean War. He excelled in his chosen career of education. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Dear Kaarina and family, I was saddened to hear of Gary's death. He was the first person I met in Port Charlotte and he hired me for my first job out of college, in 1972. His support and guidance was instrumental in my success as a school psychologist and later as coordinator of Exceptional Education. We became a team who was called on to deal with every imaginable student problem. Gary's experience, empathy and knowledge was a great benefit to many children over the years. I enjoyed the camaraderie of those years, when Gary, Barney, Mrs. Cheatham and myself were dealing with so many serious issues in such a positive and optimistic way. The problem solving skills Gary imparted to me have been a great benefit in my business career. He was just the mentor I needed fresh out of graduate school. May God bless him and your family, Bill and Joan Byrd

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Kaarina and Red- Sorry to hear read about your loss-Keep up your faith, nd a stiff upper lip- Jon

Mr. Small very dedicated to his career. But I always felt like he loved his family even more. We grew up with his kids. RIP.

To the entire Small family, especially Kris and John: condolences on the passing of your Dad. Our families grew up together just down the street and it was sad to learn of his passing. When my brother Clay died 5 years ago, I had an opportunity to walk down Conreid Street again and stopped in for an hour visit with Mr. and Mrs. Small, a highlight of my day. Your Dad wasn't doing well physically then, but he was great to talk with. Prayers to your family, Norman Selley

I grew up with his children as we lived on the same block. I am very sorry to hear about his passing and my condolences go out to his family.

It was a great honor and privilege to have known Gary Small. Gary quite obviously had a great impact on many people. We know that he was devoted to his family, and to the field of education. We will also never forget his kindness and ever-present smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May you all be comforted with the fact that Gary left a lasting legacy of devotion and hard work that we all can strive to follow. May God bless you all. Mark, Kelly, and Ross Baker

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.