Faces of Philanthropy: Gary LoDuca

Gary LoDuca

Immaculate Conception – Melbourne Beach

Thoughtful Advisors – Founder, Owner & Chief Executive Thinker

PGAC Member

I grew up in Melbourne Beach on Florida’s Space Coast. I graduated from the University of Florida – College of Business in 1989. I became an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) in 1996, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner in 2011, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) in 2013, Tax Planner in 2016, Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and Cash Balance Consultant (CBC) in 2018. I am very proud to have a clean compliance record over my 25+ years as a financial advisor with a fiduciary duty.

I was a South Tampa resident for 32 years. In Tampa, I was 2 term Treasurer of South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of Coleman Middle School PTSA. I coached Tampa Bay Little League Baseball, Tampa UA Flag Football and taught Religious Education at Christ the King Catholic Church.

Our family relocated to Melbourne Beach in February 2023. I’m treasurer of Rivers Edge HOA, board member of South Beaches Little League, appointed board member of District 3 South Brevard Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and member of the University of Florida Advisor Network. I coach South Beaches Little League Baseball and assistant coached West Melbourne Seniors (16U) baseball team. My family and I are thrilled to be back on the Space Coast!

Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Gary LoDuca:

Q: What role does your faith play in your approach to charitable planning?

A: I am an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Melbourne Beach. I serve on the Finance Committee. I joined Planned Giving Advisory Council to help Immaculate Conception Catholic Church become more engaged in charitable planning outreach to our congregants. On a personal level, I believe making a commitment to actively practice your faith is important. I was an altar boy when I was young. I thought that taught a wonderful lesson about how to “participate” during mass. Both of our sons are very committed to being reliable every Sunday @ 9am altar boys. As a member of the finance committee, I see first-hand how impactful charitable planning and gifts can be to sustain and enhance our parish and outreach to others in our community.

Q: What advice would you give someone starting to think about estate planning?

A: When someone is considering estate planning, I’d encourage them to pray for wisdom and divine guidance about how to provide a meaningful and long-lasting impact to whatever specific Catholic faith based cause they want to support.

Q: Is there a verse, quote or saint that has informed your view on stewardship or legacy?

St. Joseph of Arimathea is my patron saint for all financial decisions.

Q: What motivated you to join the Planned Giving Advisory Council?

A: I was highly motivated to join PGAC because our parish has a lot of elderly congregants. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner, I realize estate planning and charitable giving go hand in hand but also know that many people put off planning until it’s too late. I thought this would be a wonderful way for congregants to learn about ways to support their parish and its mission while they are alive and what is possible to continue to bless others after they are gone.

Click here to learn more about our Planned Giving Advisory Council.