Edward A. Gartner

Edward A. Gartner died peacefully in Tallahassee, Florida on July 7, 2025. He was two days shy of 97 years old. The world is a better place because he was here.
Ed graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in chemistry. He served in the United States Army after WWII. He was not sent to Korea but was sent to conduct experiments at Harvard University aimed at prevention of hypothermia in servicemen. Upon leaving the Army he worked as a rocket fuel chemist and then as a fiber chemist. His name is on Globe Manufacturing Corp.'s patent for spandex fiber.
Devoted husband and father, he married Eileen Serpa. Together they were attentive parents to three wonderful sons.
After Eileen's death he moved to Tallahassee to care for his aging mother. Ed loved nature and was a guardian of the planet. He gave his time and energy all over the region. He volunteered weekly for decades at Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. He also spent time at Bird Song, Tall Timbers and was one of the originators of the butterfly garden at St Mark's National Wildlife Refuge.
Ed is survived by his sons Kevin Gartner (Sandra Veronick), Eric Gartner (Francisco Irala), Paul Gartner (Karen); five grandchildren Nathan Gartner (Christie), Elena Gartner Lo (Nick Lo), Andrew Gartner (Laura), Adelee Gartner, Jonny Gartner, three great grandchildren and his companion of 24 years Sue Martindale.
He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years Eileen Gartner, his father William Gartner Sr, mother Sophia Gartner, brother William (Bill) Gartner Jr and many aunts and uncles.
The family will hold a private ceremony. He will be interred next to Eileen in Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, 222 Clark Dr. Panacea, FL 32346 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.
Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.