Gary King Aronhalt

1949 - 2021

ARONHALT, Mr. Gary King, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2021. Born on March 12, 1949, he was the son of the late Charles E. Aronhalt and Mary L. (Smith) Aronhalt of Cumberland, Md. Gary devoted his life to public service in the Commonwealth of Virginia. After graduating from Harvard in 1971, he became a police officer in Arlington, Va. and while working full-time, he pursued his law degree at American University, graduating in 1978. After graduation, Gary and his family moved to Richmond, Va., where he accepted a position with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. In 1980, he was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a prosecutor when he joined the Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. He was later appointed Deputy of the Criminal Law Section in the Virginia Attorney General's Office. Upon his election, Governor James S. Gilmore appointed Gary to serve in his cabinet as Secretary of Public Safety from 1998 to 2002, after which Gary retired. In retirement he and his wife, Darleen, enjoyed traveling the country from coast to coast, exploring every back road in between. Seeking warm weather and lush golf courses, Winter Haven, Fla. became home. Gary is survived by his wife, Darleen Marie (Snyder); two children, Troy Aronhalt and Tonya (Aronhalt) Sexstone; and four beautiful grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Frank Aronhalt, Wilmington, Del.; and was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Aronhalt. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Virginia State Police Association Emergency Relief Fund, 6944 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, Va. 23225. A private memorial will be held at a later date.