John Gerard

May 29, 2015

August 24, 1925 ~ May 12, 2015

Former Ogden resident, John Gerard, passed away on May 12, 2015 in the Gardnerville Rehabilitation Center in Gardnerville, Nevada. John was born on August 24, 1925, to Joseph Gerard and Mary Christoph Gerard in Waterbury, Connecticut.

John and his wife Rose lived in South Ogden for 26 years. They were parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church. They were active members of the church and were members of the “Good Samaritans” a group that helped the poor.

John was a veteran of World War II, where he served in the United States Maritime Service, in the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, the and Pacific theaters of operation. John returned home to attend West Virginia University where he met Rose, his wife of 59 years. He embarked on a 37 year career working as a Safety Engineer for various departments of the United States Government, with a three year stint in private industry. His career started in West Virginia but eventually led to New Hampshire, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, back to New Hampshire, returning to West Virginia and finally ending up in Ogden. He retired as the Western Regional Safety Manger for the Defense Depot based in Ogden.

John was an avid fisherman and fished most of the lakes, streams and rivers in and around the Ogden area. He was a avid traveler and enjoyed visiting his family who were located throughout the country. He loved visiting Alaska and usually brought home a lot of salmon. Another favorite destination was Georgia where he loved to go to Stone Mountain Park. John loved sports, especially football and he was a dedicated fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Yankees.

John was honored last year by Honor Flight Nevada and was transported to Washington, DC for a weekend of festivities honoring he and fellow veterans. He was truly humbled by the experience and it was a one of his greatest memories.

John is survived by: his’ sons and daughter-in-laws, John and Carol Gerard of South Lake Tahoe, California; Joseph and Barbara Gerard of Palmer, Alaska; James and Susan Gerard of Alpharetta, Georgia; and son-in-law Douglas Stull of Kingwood, West Virginia. He leaves behind eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Volk Gerard and daughter, Barbara Gerard Stull.

John is remembered by family and friends as a dedicated and loving husband, father, grand and great-grandfather and friend. He would help anyone at anytime and he was very generous to numerous charities. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life was held in Gardnerville, Nevada on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Brookdale Senior Living Facility. Burial and an additional Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, at St. Zita’s Catholic church in Masontown, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in John’s name be made to Honor Flight Nevada at the following address, PO Box 2113, Reno, NV 89515 or online at: