David "Pops" Gellert Sr.

David Joseph Gellert, Sr., aka dad, daddy, pop pop and pops, gained his angel wings at Compass Hospice in Centreville, surrounded by his family on Wednesday February 5th, 2025. He was 86 years old. He was born on April 14th, 1938, beloved son to the late Raymond Gellert and Josephine Jeffra Gellert. David began serving in the United States Navy in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1961. On October 7th, 1961, he married Amy Brenda Weber and they made their home in Annapolis (Cape St. Claire) for many years to come. After the Navy, David worked for Pepsi Cola in Annapolis, retiring after 28 years. Following Pepsi Cola, he worked for E.L. Gardner for 10 years before going into full retirement. In 1984, he and Brenda decided it was time for a change and moved the family to KI, where they resided until January of 2023, when they moved to Preston, MD to be closer to family. In his younger years, Dave loved riding his motorcycle with his buddies through the cape and all over Annapolis. Dave hung up the motorcycle helmet and replaced it with a fire helmet when he became a volunteer at KIVFD in 1987, after his son DJ joined the department the year before. He was an honored lifetime member of KIVFD and drove the fire truck up until 3 years ago, when his health began deteriorating. During his time at KIVFD, he received multiple awards, one being the star of life from university of MD Shock Trauma. In June of 2020 KIVFD dedicated their new Rescue 1 to David for his years of dedicated service. He was very respected in the community and it shows by the outpouring of love the family has already received. In addition to his loving wife Brenda of 63 years, David is survived by his Daughter Whitney Barnett of Preston, Daughter Amy Crawford (Steve) of Preston, Son David J. Gellert Jr (Joy) of Queenstown, Grandchildren Tracie Crane (Colby), Matthew Gellert of Texas, and Cody Crawford of Preston. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Olivia Gellert and Carter Crawford (his favorite fist bump buddy), and Aiden Oliveri. In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. A celebration of life will be held on Monday February 10th, 2025 11am at the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department 1610 Main St, Chester, MD 21619. Food and fellowship will follow the service in the hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department 1610 Main St, Chester, MD 21619 and/or Compass Regional Hospice https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E354255&id=2

David "Pops" Gellert Sr.

April 14, 1938 - February 5, 2025