John E. Gerner, Sr.

John E. GERNER, SR. peacefully passed away after a long battle with cancer on May 16, 2023.  John is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Karen, along with their four children, Kristie [Troy], John [Jackie], Jerry [Kat], and Erin [Steven].  He was the loving Pop to his seven grandchildren, Johnny, Christian, Steven, Delilah, Noelle, Vincent and Thomas. He was the beloved son to the late Louis Gerner Sr. and Elizabeth Gerner and dear brother of Louis Gerner, Rosemary Rys, Elizabeth Lupsa, Diane Creighton, and Terri Pollanger.  He is preceded in death by his twin brother, George and sister Connie Michael. 

John attended Northeast Catholic High School and Thomas Edison High School where he played soccer and received several athletic awards from both schools.  Being an avid horse racing fan, John’s dream was to become a jockey. He gave up that dream to serve with pride in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he entered the Philadelphia Carpenter’s Union in Local 1856 from where he retired after fifty plus years.

His love of sports (especially soccer) led him to dedicate many years to playing in multiple club leagues. Because he was the greatest soccer player of all time, he shared his expertise by coaching at the Kensington Ramblers Athletic Club for many years.  John also shared his God given talent of singing and dancing with his countless number of friends at many events free of charge.

Please join the family after 6:00 pm Friday, May 19th at Delaware Valley Cremation Center 7350 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136 for a celebration of life in remembrance and honor of John. The memorial tribute service will begin promptly at 7:00 pm where you can share your favorite funny memories of John and how he may have had a positive influence on your life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Make a donation to cure childhood cancer - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)