Michael Sheridan “Mike” Gartland, 71, of Waldorf, Maryland, died on July 22, 2022 at Inova Fairfax Hospital following a brief illness.
Mike was born to the late Florence Blake Gartland and the late James Francis Gartland I. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Lou Gartland Parsons, brother-in-law Roger (Butch) Parsons, and sister-in-law Donna Gartland.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Mike moved to Maryland with his family in 1959. He started his career in public service in 1980 with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol officer, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He joined the Maryland State Police as a medevac pilot where he was to combine his interest in law enforcement with his love of flying. By the time of his retirement in 2020 he had been serving as the Chief Pilot of the agency for several years.
During his many years with police agencies, Mike also owned and operated his own flight school, Freedom Air. As an instructor, he taught numerous civilian and military pilots both across the country and around the world. Mike loved his family, friends, and motorcycles but, most of all flying. If it flew, he could drive it! He will be remembered for his easy, friendly smile and his willingness to help anyone at any time.
Mike is survived by his wife, Alma Gartland; his daughter Renee Serpico; his brother James F. Gartland II (Cindy); his grandchildren Tyler Zupko, Michael Serpico (Makenzie) and Kylie Serpico; his nephew Jimmy Gartland (Christy); his niece Kimberly Gartland; countless friends and colleagues.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 2PM to 4PM and from 6PM to 8PM with Prayers at 7PM at the Raymond Funeral Service, P.A., 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 10AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 3320 St. Peter’s Drive, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.
Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman-Beantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601. Pallbearers are Tyler Zupko, Michael Serpico, Jim Dinges, David Svites, Rick Gragan, and Dale Scheider.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Mike’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.