Gene Edward Syarto

August 18, 1939 ~ August 23, 2022

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Gene Edward Syarto

Gene Edward Syarto of Vero Beach; a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, received his heavenly wings August 23, 2022 having just celebrated his 83rd birthday with family.

The son of Edward Adam Syarto and Dorothy Ella Brigham was born August 1939 and grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. Gene attended various institutions of higher learning to obtain an extensive array of educational degrees, honors and accolades; and was proficient in several languages.

At the age of 23, Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force. Over the course of more than 25 years of active and reserve duty, Gene become a pilot and rose through the ranks from Second Lieutenant and ultimately being promoted to the rank of Major. After retiring from the Air Force, Gene utilized his years of experience and faithful service to his country and for the next 22 years, continued to serve as a teacher for countless students in the JROTC program at Eau Gallie High School. Gene continued to serve by setting up and leading the first Ministry Leader Emeritus for the Celebrate Recovery Program at his church where he left a huge impact on thousands of people in the community. While difficult to isolate facets of this impactful and wonderful man, people remember “a larger than life man with a big brain and heart” moreover, most say Gene is remembered for his kindness and empathy to all that were fortunate to have known him.

Gene is preceded in death by parents Edward A. Syarto and Dorothy E. Hedberg (Milton); and grandson Steven W. Syarto. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Cynthia M. Syarto; Brother, Bruce R. Syarto (Roseann); Children, Jon M. Syarto, David W. Syarto (Susan); Children by marriage, Renee L. Thurn, Jacqueline L. Elfers, Michael T. Elfers (Lisa) and Kristen K Elfers Grossman (Brian); Grandchildren Natalie, Adam, Amanda, Andrew, Anthony, Victoria, Amber, Kaylee, Dennis and Kyle; many great grandchildren, extended family and friends.

A private, military acknowledgment honoring the life of Gene E. Syarto will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

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Condolence

JACQUELINE ZIELINSKI

September 2, 2022, 8:12 pm

CYNDI AND SYARTO FAMILY
SO SORRY ABOUT THE LOST OF GENE,
HE ALWAYS HAD KIND WORDS AND CONCERNS FOR ANYONE HE MET.
HE WILL BE WATCHING OVER EVERYONE WITH LOVE.
REST IN PEACE, GENE! ♥️
JACQUELINE ZIELINSKI
10412 AILEEN AV
MOKENA IL 60448
708-476-7558
JACQUELINEZIELINSKI@MSN.COM

Linda Andrusko

September 2, 2022, 8:42 pm

Although I never physically met Gene, & only spoke with him a few times while chatting with Cyndi, know that my prayers & condolences are with the entire family always. I commend his wife for her selfless years taking care of him through thick & thin. May he rest in peace now.

Dorothy M. SYARTO

September 3, 2022, 2:57 pm

I will miss you Uncle Gene you were always a Giant in my eyes I remember gifts you brought home to me and being there later in my life thru some dark times. I will forever hear you in my heart say “ I love you sweetheart “ always your niece Dottie

Mike Broda

September 5, 2022, 8:38 am

In special and loving memory of my friend Gene, whom I first met in Vero Beach in May 2006 while vacationing in Florida. Unfortunately, this visit was the first and at the same time the last. May he have his peace with Heavenly Father. Mike and Maria Broda from Germany.

Michelle Summers (Sirois)

September 6, 2022, 5:36 pm

Major Syarto made a huge impact on my life. He helped me so much and was always one of my very favorite teachers. His light will be missed. May his family find peace in knowing that he truly was/is a great man.

Kenneth Lejkowski

September 7, 2022, 10:53 am

Major Syarto was my teacher for 4 years in JROTC. He was a great teacher and a great man. He made me laugh all the time and was a very compassionate man. He will be missed. My condolences to the family in this time of mourning.

Patrick Floto

September 7, 2022, 8:30 pm

Maj. Syarto was my AFJROTC instructor from 1999-2003. I didn’t have much interest in the military until he happened to be a speaker for one of my freshman classes and I immediately transferred into his program.

I’m very proud of the military career that followed (Marine Corps, not Air Force … sorry Major!) and it all originated with his attitude towards service with a smile.

Priscilla Carrera

September 7, 2022, 10:07 pm

Major Syarto God bless you and your family. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor during my time in AFJROTC. I am so thankful to him for his guidance and care. Major Syarto looked out for me and helped me with so many scholarship applications I lost count. You will be dearly missed. Thank you to his family for sharing him with so many lives, he impacted us greatly.
I will always remember WeatherBug.

Vaya en paz

Tara (Schulz) Holland

September 7, 2022, 11:11 pm

Major Syarto,
I will never forget the times we had during my time in the A.F.J.R.O.T.C. Program. The word mentor doesn’t do it justice. You were always an open door and listening ear. You helped anyone in need and I was always happy to help in anyway I could. I remember your favorite chicken place and getting that Maryland Fried chicken and how it made you smile! I also remember you helping your loving mother out as her time was drawing nearer. You needed a ride to get your van back from the shop after they had placed the new brackets on for her wheelchair. I was all to happy to take you and thought to myself, “I hope to be able to care for my parents like that one day and to have a son like that as well!” You have impacted so many of our lives and we’re all better for having been in yours. That is why we loved you and today, that is why we mourn your passing. God Speed Major.

Steve Syarto

April 25, 2023, 12:04 am

Gene and my father Louis were first cousins. I have some vague memories of Gene’s father, Edward- Uncle Eddie as my father Lou and Uncle Bob called him. So sorry for your loss.

Steve Syarto