Otto Edward Gercken, Capt. USN (Retired)

Captain Otto E. Gercken, USN (Ret), 94, passed away on February 29, 2024, at his home in Gainesville, VA surrounded by his family. He was born on May 16, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, to Otto and Elizabeth (Berg) Gercken. His grandfather, Johann Martin Gercken, who had emigrated from Bremerhaven, Germany, arriving at Ellis Island September, 1888, owned and operated a small grocery store in Brooklyn, NY. When Otto was eight, the family moved to Hoboken, New Jersey, where he graduated from Demarest High School and later studied pre-med at nearby Seton Hall University. While in the US Navy he studied Meteorology at the US Navy Postgraduate school in Monterey CA and later studied International Affairs at George Washington University.

Enlisting in the US Navy in 1948 and commissioned in 1956, Otto embarked on a 32-year career marked by exemplary service and leadership. His skills as an aviator were showcased across multiple platforms, including fixed and rotary-wing aircraft and blimps, and in numerous commanding roles.

Throughout his career, Otto served in various roles, deployed with the Airship Development Squadron 11 (ZX-11), as executive officer of the Helicopter Light Attack Squadron 3 (HAL-3 Seawolves), commanding officer of the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2), the USS Saratoga CVA-60, and the Carrier ASW Air Group 59 (CVSG-59).

A pivotal chapter in Otto’s career was his service with the Helicopter Light Attack Squadron 3 (HAL-3 Seawolves), during the Vietnam War. This squadron, renowned for its valor and efficiency, emerged as one of the most decorated squadrons in the conflict, a testament to its members’ bravery and strategic impact. Otto’s leadership and dedication were recognized through numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal w/Combat ‘V’, Air Medal w/4 Stars, Presidential Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Vietnam Service Medal w/Silver Star.

In 1951, he met Charlotte A. Marcus (Deceased December 8, 2001) and they were married on April 9, 1953. Over their forty-eight years together, they raised seven children while moving to various duty stations throughout the United States. Otto was a dedicated father championing his children through little league baseball, scouting and soccer. He coached soccer for his daughters’ club teams and led his Vienna girls team to the state championship for the win.

After the death of Charlotte in 2001, he met Joann Prohoniak (deceased August 15, 2011). They married on September 20, 2003 and had homes in Gainesville, VA and Naples, FL.

Otto was actively involved in his community. He was a devout Catholic and enjoyed attending Mass. He was an active member of Saint Mark Church, and served as an usher for many years and always spoke very highly of his ushering friends. Later in life he volunteered at Travelers Aid Dulles Airport where he faithfully served for many years.

Otto had many hobbies including golfing, traveling, cycling with the Heritage Hunt Cycling Club, hiking with the Wanderbirds, camping, and spending quality time entertaining family and his many friends. His grandkids recall his ability to lap everyone while riding bikes as a group. In his younger years, he was a US Navy handball champion, an avid bowler, and enjoyed playing in the over-40 soccer league. An Eagle Scout himself, he took great pride in passing down his Eagle Scout medal to his first grandson to achieve this rank.

His cycling achievements include winning the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Silver Medal at the age of 84 in the 10K and 20K Time Trials (2013, 80-84 age bracket) and later dominating the 85-89 age bracket winning Gold Medals for three years in a row, with a final medal count of two Silver medals and six Gold Medals.

He was a beloved father to his 7 children, Jolie Whitehead (Jim), William Gercken (Terry), Jeane Gercken, Nancy Coppinger (Tom), Susan Lyons (Terry), Michael Gercken (Pam), Tristan Bourdelais (John), and a beloved grandfather to his 28 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Otto was comforted by his dearest friend and companion, Gina Missett, through his final years and during his illness.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 2 – 4 PM and from 6 – 8 PM at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 12:30 PM at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, VA 22181. Interment with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers during the Lenten season, the family is requesting that Memorial contributions in his name be made to the United States Navy Memorial https://www.navymemorial.org/
or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/
continuing Otto’s legacy of support and service to the Navy and others.