Gary W. Kito, Colonel, USAF (Retired)
September 13, 1949 – March 31, 2023

Gary W. Kito, Born Sept. 13,1949,9 in Port Jefferson Station, NY, currently living in Wimauma, FL passed away on March 31, 2023, in his home.

Gary had CLL (Chronic Lymphoma Leukemia) for 6 years prior to the disease turning aggressive in Sept. 2022, and started treatments at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. Extensive care and efforts failed to stave off this disease.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Madeleine (Lynne) Kito, his stepson Ron Green and his family, his brother Craig and wife Lisa Kito, and three nephews, Chris, Ken and Jaclyn and Keith Kito and sister-in-law Norma May. His predeceased daughter, Danielle Darcy Kito passed on Oct. 20, 2006, at the age of 20 due to severe medical issues.

Gary graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs in 1972 and went on to pilot training for helicopters. Stationed at McClellan AFB, CA during the mid1970s, he flew Jolly Green Helicopters for Rescue and Recovery Missions until 1979. His next assignments would take him to Scott AFB, IL to do Planning functions for MAC. In 1984, he became the Commander of Det. 9 Helicopter Squadron at Whiteman AFB, MO with the mission of protecting missile silo sites. The next assignment was to the Pentagon, Wash. DC, where he procured aircraft for the Air Force. In 1990, he was awarded the position of Commander of the prestigious 1st Helicopter Unit at Andrews AFB, MD. This unit flies all of the VIPs of the Wash. DC area. From there he went to the 89th group at Andrews, the unit that flies Air Force One and Vice Presidents.

His final assignment was back to Scott AFB, IL where he worked with the Space Dept. before that unit became its own entity.

Gary was an avid exercise guy, running miles every day, running many marathons. After retirement, he lived in Jemez, New Mexico, where he took on the challenges of climbing most of the 14ers in Colorado. He explored and hiked the western slopes of the Rockies and enjoyed the National Parks of the west, leading travel groups to these locations. With his extensive travels during his career and after, he achieved status of all 50 states visited and 50 countries.

Service will be held May 17, 2023, at the Air Force Academy cemetery at 10:30 AM with a gathering afterwards at the Golf Course Reception Room.

Gary’s and Danielle’s ashes will be interned in the same lawn crypt.

No Flowers are requested. Donations can be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nationalcremation.com/location/ruskin for the Kito family.