Scott GMELIN Obituary

GMELIN, Scott Lee "Big Cat Man" 60, unexpectedly passed away on June 19, 2023. He was a spiritual man with no specific religion. Scott loved his daughter above all else and dedicated much of his time to the care of cats, big and small. For a time, he volunteered at Wildlife on Easy Street and other big cat rescues in the Tampa Bay area. He was a hard worker who never did things half-heartedly. Honest and filled with integrity, he always went above and beyond when helping others. Several hours before he died, he shared this missive with his friends and family on social media, "The older you get, the closer eternity seems. You never know when the sand is going to run out of the hour glass. I just wanted to say I Love You! Tomorrow is not promised. I love you all." Scott was a fine, decent man who we miss tremendously. We are grateful that he was in our lives. Tomorrow is not promised.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times from Jun. 25 to Jun. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott GMELIN

12 Entries

Dave

June 29, 2023

Scott was a genuine man and unfortunately lacked the confidence to pursue his talents for much of his life. He was a talented singer and a creative person and also a hard worker with many skills. For a time, many years ago, we wrote and recorded songs together. It was certainly nice to know that he was in a good place spiritually and loved when he left this Scott form. He was a character and had good character.. a good soul.
Love

Wayne Lee Bennett

June 27, 2023

Scott and I met in the 6th grade at Meadowlawn Middle School in St Pete. The 70's were in full swing and he was my best friend. We joined the U.S. Army together. Both of us were 17 years old and off we went. He was the best of the best, in service and in life. We served briefly together in the Republic of Panama. He was 101st Airborne and I was with 82nd. I was lucky enough to have one more pizza night with Scott a month ago. He is and will be missed. He was my brother. We had a saying as kids and through adulthood "Wayne and Scott, brothers to the end of the earth." All our love to his family and friends. We grieve for the living, for the passed are at rest

Christina Arasmo

June 26, 2023

Christina Arasmo

June 26, 2023

Christina Arasmo

June 26, 2023

Christina Arasmo

June 26, 2023

Some of Scott's favorite photos.

Christina Arasmo

June 26, 2023

Christina Arasmo

June 26, 2023

Christina Arasmo

June 26, 2023

I am so fortunate that you are the father of our daughter. This is still a shock even a week later. I'm grateful you were my friend after we were divorced.

Paul Battaglia

June 25, 2023

Uncle Scott
You have been the most important father figure in my life
We spoke multiple times a day every day and now I am in a way to familiar place again
Completely lost
All the best parts of me were taught by you and I will never forget them
I will forever miss the 6am calls and talking about how the Bucs are going to do
I have not only lost my uncle I also lost one of my best friends in the world.
Do t really know how I will make it past this one
I love you
See you soon
Tell my boys I love and miss them
Paul

Don Henry

June 25, 2023

I, Don Henry, met Scott Gmelin (G-Man) in the U.S. Army, while serving in Germany. We both had a desire to experience the German culture, meet the locals, assimilate, and travel. We became very close, like-minded, true friends. When I say "true friend, " I don't take it lightly. I only have a handful of true friends. For me, a true friend is one who will always be a true friend, even across years and miles.
Scott and I had a lot of very cool experiences as we explored Germany, and Holland. Venturing into the unknown, seeing the things we did, and meeting the people we met will always be absolutely priceless. When I think of G-Man, I think of him as a little/big brother. His friendly demeanor allowed us to meet the coolest people while traveling. It would seem impossible for anyone not to instantly like and trust Scott.
Before I met G-Man, I thought I was a walking and talking rock and roll encyclopedia, but it was Scott who taught me all the more about it. He told me about him being in a band, and showed me the pictures. He was a true rocker!
Besides our travels, Scott, myself, and other like-minded brothers would experience the culture in the local town of Osterholz Scharmbeck, and the big cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven as often as possible. The things we saw, and learned are cherished. The good times we had are truly unmatched.
One time I introduced Scott to a German family I spent Christmas with in Bremerhaven. Another time, while hitch-hiking, an elderly German man picked us up, and told us stories about his experiences during WWII. One time, G-man and I got trapped in this vibrant town in Holland called Appledorn; we had to wait about 15 hours for the next train to Amsterdam. The people we met while waiting were unbelievably cool, as well as interesting. The town itself seemed like it was right out of a picturesque storybook. Another time, while traveling in Bavaria, we were in a box car escaping a hard rainstorm, when the train started down the tracks. We gathered our belongings and jumped out just prior to it picking up speed. Who knows where that train would have taken us.
I've only seen G-Man once since were were stationed in Germany, but our friendship has always been top-notch. I know he felt the same way. My mom lives across the state of Florida from where Scott lived. I never went to see him during times visiting my mom because of her age and health. I spoke with G-Man two days prior to his passing. I told him one day soon we would physically reunite. I will always think of Scott as a true friend, and good brother.

Pam R.

June 25, 2023

When Scott smiled, it was so contagious. His enthusiasm for whatever he did was prodigious. He was a wonderful father. His love and support for his daughter was wholehearted. He was "all-in" for whatever she wanted to do. He will be missed.

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