CLARIDON TWP. – Gilbert “Gil” Kostelec, age 84, of Claridon Township, died June 5, 2016.
Born March 4, 1932, to Virgil and Frances (nee Kral) Kostelec, in Cleveland, he was raised in Richmond Heights, graduating from Euclid High School in 1950. He earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University in 1954.
While at OSU, he was a member of R.O.T.C. and, upon graduation, served two years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox, Ky.
After his service, he earned his master’s degree in horticulture from Cornell University.
Gil was the owner and president of Ornamental Nurseries Inc., a landscape design and construction company, for 54 years, retiring in 2006.
For many years, he served as president of the Claridon Township Board of Zoning Appeals.
Gil also was a world-class big game hunter, having traveled to New York, Montana, Idaho, British Columbia, Alaska, Nunavut, Africa, Australia, Russia and Mongolia.
He was a member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International, of which he was a charter member and past president of the Ohio Chapter, which elected to make him a life member in 2015.
Gil was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying his own airplanes. He also was a raconteur who loved telling his hunting tales to anyone who wanted to hear them.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sally (nee Johnson), whom he married 35 years ago; son, Michael; daughter, Karen; grandchildren, John Michael and Tessa; sister, Virginia; devoted brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Peter and Darlene; nephew, Steve (Julie); niece, Katie (Chuck) Spitler; and two loving step-daughters, Amy and Leigh Carson.
Gil was predeceased by his parents; and his first wife, Mary Carolyn (nee Alvey).
Gil will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
The family will host a gathering from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.