William Phillip Gerhardt

William Phillip Gerhardt, 97, was peacefully called home Saturday August 27th, 2022 after a brief illness in Orlando, Florida. “Bill” was born to Phillip and Marie Gerhardt on June 17th 1925 in Little Falls, New York. Following high school, Bill entered the US Navy serving as part of America’s Greatest Generation in World War II. He returned to Little Falls and married Lucille Vespasiano. He considered her “the best wife” that one could be blessed to have and this great partnership lasting almost 50 years to her passing in 2001.

Bill was a proud father to his daughter Mary Patricia “Patti” Thomas and late son Gary Phillip Gerhardt. He is also survived by his grandchildren who were a great source of pride to him. Melisse Thomas James and her husband Patrick David James, David William Thomas and his partner Alexandra Nico, Jacob Gerhardt and Anthony Gerhardt (mother Dr. Elizabeth Clawson) gave him much joy and entertainment.

Bill enjoyed his employment with Mohawk Airlines at the Utica-Rome New York Airport. After the merger with Allegany Airlines, he moved his family to Rochester, Pennsylvania where he eventually retired from US Air after many years of service. In his post retirement years, he filled his days with a wide range of activities in the Rochester Library, Township Committee, social outings and an occasional round of golf. He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church which also kept him busy with handy man tasks, planning larger projects, and property committee activities over the years. In the fall of 2017 he relocated to Orlando, Florida to live in the sunshine and the company of his family who will greatly miss him.

Funeral services will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church on September 24th at 11 AM. 4962 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Grace Lutheran Church (393 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Gerhardt family.