Michael Charles Gerhardt

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Michael Charles Gerhardt. Michael, of Warren, RI, died peacefully on Friday, February 7th at Rhode Island Hospital. He was surrounded by his wife of over 40 years, Doree Goodman and his two sons, Geoffrey Charles Gerhardt of Silver Spring, MD, and Michael Priestley Gerhardt of Essex, MA.

Michael graduated Williams College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with Highest Honors in 1963. Two years later he graduated from Harvard University with a Master of Business Administration. Michael always said Williams College changed his life, his way of thinking and shaped his core values.

Michael started his career in healthcare with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Washington, D.C. as a Health Economist. Upon moving to Rhode Island in 1970 he became Director of Planning and Evaluation at the Providence Health Centers and went on to leadership positions at several other healthcare organizations. He then had a 14-year career with Blue Cross & Blue Shield RI as a Vice President of HMO Development and President and CEO of HMO RI.

When he left BC/BS RI he began a new career as an interim director of non-profits. Over a period of 15 years Michael led 16 organizations, often working to stabilize internal management and recruit a new executive director. He managed organizations like The Genesis Center, the Mount Hope Trust in Bristol, AIDS Project Rhode Island, Save the Bay, and the RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School.

Michael was never happier than when he was sailing his 30 foot Catalina, the Pandion. He mainly sailed in Narraganset Bay, but also sailed all over coastal New England. He passed his love of sailing onto his two sons, and always enjoyed taking friends out for a sail on the Bay.

Michael believed strongly in community service, particularly local community service. Michael was on the Barrington Planning Board for 10 years. After moving to Warren, he was appointed to the Warren Zoning Board of Review and 10 years later to the Warren Planning Board. The Warren Land Trust was his passion, serving on the Board of Trustees for seven years. As President he significantly expanded the scope of the Land Trust by bringing in gifts and state grants to support the expanding organization.

Along with this significant list of activities, Michael always had time for his family. He dearly loved his two sons, two step-sons, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild, Hannah Goodman. Traveling to see their scattered family was always on Michael and Doree’s calendar. Reunions with Michael's brother and sister, Thomas Gerhardt of Penticton, British Columbia, and Denis Newman of Gainesville, FL, were always wonderful affairs for the whole family. They also had an interest in traveling to foreign countries, always curious about the culture, the arts and the people.

A Gathering of Remembrance will be held in the spring. If you would like to honor the memory of Michael, please consider a gift to the Warren Land Trust or ACLU RI.