Ira Gossett Hawk

Ira Gossett Hawk, also known as I.G. and Gossett, 92 of Naples, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Vi at Bentley Village Heath Care Center. Formerly of Dayton, OH and Detroit, MI, he and his wife, Clarice, moved to Bonita Springs in 1989 following his retirement. They moved permanently to Bentley Village in 2006. Ira was born July 13, 1926 in Hillsboro, OH the son of the late William H. and Grace (Gossett) Hawk, dairy farmers in southern Ohio. After being afflicted with polio at the age of 11, he was homeschooled for several years before attending Wilmington College, then earning his Master’s Degree in Journalism at the Ohio State University. As a polio survivor and young writer, Ira was sponsored for a college scholarship by the local Ohio Rotary chapter. He was the first in his family to attend college. Immediately following graduation, Ira worked as a newspaper reporter for The Columbus Dispatch newspaper. He then returned to his alma mater to work in Administration at Wilmington College where he hired his soon to-be-wife Clarice as his secretary. They were married in August, 1949. In 1952, they moved to Dayton, Ohio and he began his 37-year career with General Motors. Over the course of his career, he had public relations and senior sales management responsibilities at both Frigidaire Division in Dayton, OH and at the GM Corporate Offices in Detroit, MI. His polio affliction and how he handled it was the first shining example of Ira’s character and commitment to service that would be his hallmark throughout his life. With the encouragement of his mother, in 1938 while still regaining his strength, Ira founded, launched and began publishing The Salem Echo newsletter that offered a commentary on the times from the perspective of a teenager. In a short time, the newsletter attracted subscribers across the world including President Franklin Roosevelt, Shirley Temple and many other Hollywood celebrities. At the same time, Ira became a frequent speaker at community events around Ohio addressing the health threat of polio and the need for continued research into a cure. Despite the paralysis of his left leg that would require him to wear a brace throughout his life, Ira was determined that his polio affliction would not define him. It was merely another obstacle to overcome and an opportunity to help others. Ira’s life of service continued in all of the communities where he lived. Ira and Clarice were very active church lay leaders in Dayton, Detroit, and Bonita Springs. They became active members in First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs upon moving to the community. He was also a very active leader and supporter of Rotary, Lee County Shots for Tots program, Meals on Wheels, and the Bonita Springs YMCA. In recognition of his sustained leadership and impact within Rotary, Ira was honored as Rotarian of the Year in 1994/95. The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs also recognized Ira’s dedication to the community with their Service Above Self Distinction. Also, Ira was the recipient of the 2nd Annual “Love of Bonita” award in 2003 by the Bonita Springs Community Foundation for his many years of service in the community. Despite extensive career and community service commitments, Ira and Clarice’s first priority was always their family. Four generations of Hawk family members have benefitted from their unconditional love and support. Over a lifetime, “Mom and Dad” or “Gram and Granddad” were always present for any significant life event for children or grandchildren even though family members lived all over the US and overseas. In his low-key way, he has been an example to his family on how to live a rich, meaningful life based on a foundation of faith, love, integrity, respect for others, friendship, service, gratitude and a positive outlook. Reflecting their love and special respect for their Granddad, all of Ira’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren have visited frequently with him, including in the past few months. Ira was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Clarice J. Hawk in 2010. Survivors include his special friend, Jean Lonergan; two children and their spouses, Gail (Stephen) Horvath of Bonita Springs, FL and Philip (Sara) Hawk of Houston, TX; five grandchildren and their spouses, Janice (Russell) Kominski, Adam (Meryl Abbott) Hawk, Alexa (Alexis) Catsambis, Matthew (Melissa) Hawk, Maggie (Jonathan) Payne; and nine great grandchildren, Andrew, Nadia, Abby, Vivian, Logan, Luke, Julie, Grace and Sophia. Other surviving family include his very close cousins Anna Lee and Sara Lou Teets of West Union, OH, and Clarice’s three sisters; Margorie Drummond, Carolyn Bourke, and Alice Davis. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Burial will be held in Resurrection Garden at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ira’s name may be made to First Presbyterian Church at the address above. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Ira Gossett Hawk

July 13, 1926 - August 19, 2018