Dave Gergely’s last official day as the golf sales coordinator for Miami Lakes Golf Club was June 9, but now and then, his friends and clients will get to see him run tournaments at the course.
“I still want to be a presence here,” said Gergely, 71. “I live around the corner and without working, I would be out of my mind.”
At his retirement luncheon, the company praised him for 41 years of service. Gergely’s sense of humor and encyclopedic knowledge of sports were put to good use during his career, first as program director at the Miami Lakes Athletic Club, when he ran basketball, volleyball and racquetball leagues and special events.
He transferred to the first Shula’s Steak House and worked at the restaurant on Main Street too, greeting guests and sharing stories about the Miami Dolphins’ perfect season.
As director of sports entertainment, he hosted events that drew customers to Shula’s Steak 2 to see tapings of NFL Coach Don Shula’s TV show, which aired locally before the Monday Night Football national TV program.
Gergely also warmed up the bar crowds when retired Miami Dolphins players Jim Mandich and Jimmy Cefalo hosted their respective TV programs.
Gergely joined the golf course in 2012, where he helped charities raise mon
ey during tournaments by challenging players to beat him on golf shots.
He was known for making players – families and groups of golfers who return annually to the club and know him over four decades -- feel welcome.
Gergely was dedicated to the company and on his last day at work, shared his fondness for the Graham family.
Among his memories: “I guess I witnessed the history of Miami Lakes. I’ve flown on the Miss Miami Lakes jet with Bill [William A.] Graham and played golf with William E. Graham, and I’ve been to Marlins games with Senator Bob Graham, whose sports knowledge is better than mine.”
The company said Gergely left a legacy of hard work and happiness, and that he is someone who had an extraordinary impact on the company and its hospitality businesses.