Gocek, Edward “Ed” Stanley, Jr., 60, of Land O’ Lakes, passed away on August 29, 2021, at Rucki Center for Hospice. Born in Gainesville, FL, and raised in Sarasota, FL, he graduated from Sarasota High School. Ed earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Political Science from the University of Florida and worked for U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins in Winter Park, FL, upon graduation. He went on to work for Eastern Financial Federal Credit Union, where he started as a teller and later became a branch manager. After Ed’s initial diagnosis of cancer in 2000, he contemplated becoming a nurse. Ed left Eastern Financial after twenty years in order to attend nursing school at Pasco Hernando Community College. After graduation, he worked as a nurse at University Community Health, Florida Hospital Tampa, and AdventHealth Tampa. Ed retired from nursing in 2019 after multiple cancer relapses. Over the years, Ed enjoyed motocross, tennis, running, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. He loved music, played guitar, and attended many concerts. Ed was a beloved husband and devoted father. His handsome smile and adventurous spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. Ed is survived by his wife, Glenda Aileen Gocek of Land O’ Lakes; children, Anastasia Gocek, Michael Gocek, and Jasmine Gocek of Land O’ Lakes; mother, Linda Emmel of Lutz; stepfather, Glen Engelbrecht of Sarasota; siblings, Jimmy Gocek (Dianne) of Indiatlantic, Terri Wonder (Ray) of Waynesboro, Virginia, and Skip Engelbrecht of Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Stanley Gocek, Sr. Ed’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23252 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Finally Home Christian Adoption Services, 1936 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., #121, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544, Attn: Loryn Smith; and Gulfside Healthcare Services, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639, Attn: Carla Armstrong.
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My deepest condolences to the family. For the 6 years I knew Ed, he was always such a nice and thoughtful person and a wonderful family man.
My condolences! Ed over the 2 years we worked together you really brightened up my day everyday! You taught me patience and understanding in many situations we dealt with! It was such an honor being your friend! Rest In Peace my friend!
Sending love and peace to Ed’s beloved family. Words can’t express the sadness I feel for all of you. I’m so sorry.
I look at the picture Aileen’s posted of Ed and that’s truly the quintessential Ed . I met Ed as a client when he worked for Eastern Financial CU along with all the wonderful folks with whom he worked at that office . Then came the move , the promotion and the friendship that grew . He was so excited I remember when he said that he and Aileen were going to adopt a baby boy . He was in full Dad mode. This was followed by the uncertainties of this joy coming to fruition and hallelujah when it came through. He was overjoyed . Michael was this adorable little boy whose pictures he loved sharing. Now through all this, Ed had been diagnosed , was being treated for and recuperating from cancer! Would an outsider know this, no way. That smile of his always lit up the room and that laugh that he had! Then came the girls, Anastasia and Jasmine. There was more than enough love to go around. This gentle soul wasn’t done however. I remember him telling me that he was going into nursing, leaving the bank. The team , my team at the bank was slowly breaking up and whereas I was thrilled for him I was going to miss seeing that face on a regular basis. Ed excelled in his new profession as well, he was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a daredevil
( getting up on his bike just after completion of a bout of treatments – nuts), a great friend. Ed , God knew what he was doing when he put you on this earth. You brought joy to many. You will live on in our hearts and minds. You fought the good fight, you kept the faith ,you finished the race . Rest In Peace and rise in glory my friend.
God bless you Aileen , Michael, Anastasia and Jasmine.🌈🌈💕
Ed, the finest man I knew. I loved your smile.
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