Donald Tartock

Donald Earl Tartock, 96, of Hilton Head Island, S.C., passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, after a brief illness.

Donald was born on March 22, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Jacob “Jack” and Molly Sherman Tartock. He attended Olney High School, Class of ‘48, and developed a lifelong love for studies in applied sciences, particularly biology and chemistry. He went on to study at Temple University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology.

Don enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1954 during the Korean Conflict, and though he had volunteered for overseas duty, he served stateside as a Medical Lab Technician.

He married in Philadelphia in December 1957 to his beautiful bride Gloria Lucia Louisa Giudici. Don gained employment with Wyatt Labs, living in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, where he and his wife started their family. They moved their young family to Grand Island, New York, in 1965, where he worked for GIBCO (Grand Island Biological Company), a manufacturer of biological products used in medical diagnosis, research and education. Beginning as a researcher at GIBCO, he held many positions of increasing responsibility eventually becoming a general manager and Vice President of Manufacturing and Product Development. Following his time at GIBCO, Don used his knowledge of biochemicals to start a firm called American Biorganics with former colleagues.

Don and Gloria permanently retired to Hilton Head Island in 1995, where he immediately immersed himself in community activities. Using his skills and background in laboratory medicine, Don offered his service as a phlebotomist at the local Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (VIM). He loved to sing old time melodies and became a very active performer in the local barbershop chorus, even serving as Secretary for his local chapter of the Carolinas District of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Don also loved to travel, ski, golf, and was adept in the kitchen producing tasty meals for his family during holiday visits or for cherished friends. He participated as a member of the Hilton Head Plantation Gourmet Club.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Gloria; his children, Jocelyn Doria Mims, Russell Lewis Tartock (wife Melissa); Mitchell Adam Tartock (wife Karan Landkroon); his grandson, Quentin Alexander Tartock; a beloved sister, Bette Steinberg; a niece, Lori Ehrich; a nephew, Howard Steinberg; and extended family all currently residing in the Philadelphia area.

Friends of Don and family are welcome to attend a visitation in his honor on Monday, October 26, 2026 from 2-4pm at the Island Funeral Home and Crematory , 4 Cardinal Road Hilton Head Island, SC.