Hermann Richard Gerditschke

On Thursday June 19, 2014 in his 99th year. Hermann Gerditschke (Herr Hermann of Hermann’s Meat and Delicatessin) beloved husband of the late Margarete (Gretel) Gerditschke (nee Pfitzke) of 61 years. Papa to Volker Gerditschke and his wife Rita and Charles Gerditschke (Karl Heinz) and his wife Peggy. Opa to Gordon( Bettina), Paul( (Sarah), Mark, and Amy. Grossfatter to Lea and Marc.

Hermann was born in Arnsdorf i. Rsgb, Schlesien Germany on April 24th 1916. A veteran of WW11, he is a survivor of the Russian Front and the expulsion from his homeland. While in the Germany Army, Hermann served with the Flak 38.

Hermann married Gretel on May 2nd 1942 and both immigrated to Canada in October 1953 after Germany was destroyed in the war. They left everything behind and came with $18.00 in their pocket and didn’t speak any English. Hermann, who had a business degree, found work as a butcher while Margarete found part-time work at Mount Sinai Hospital. His degree included specialized butchering skills, such as cutting, processing and being able to size up a cow for useable meat. In 1958 they opened the first iconic “ermHHermann’s Meat & Delicatessen on Bloor Street in 1958 and the second store in the Knob Hill Plaza, Scarborough in 1962 where it remained until 1991.

Hermann’s greatest passion was for the cottage and move importantly, waterskiing. After a 60-70 hour work week, the family knew that by 8:30 on a Saturday evening, the boat had to be in the water, ski rope attached and the ski on the dock ready to go to “make water ski”. This was not up for discussion.

Hermann will be remembered by family, friends, former staff and many customers. Friends may visit at the JERRETT FUNERAL HOME, 660 Kennedy Road, Scarborough (between Eglinton Ave. E. and St. Clair) on Thursday June 26th from 10:00am to 12 noon with service immediately following in the chapel. Interment to follow at Pine Hills Cemetery.