Celebration of Life
Delaware Valley Cremation Center
Friday May 19th, 2023
6:00pm - 9:00pm
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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)
To plant memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Gerner, Sr., please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Gerner faimily,
We are so sorry for your loss...your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan and Kyran Hines May 19 2023 4:15 PM
They left out Best Dancer, especially when bouncing off fences, Best Backup Singer for Street Corner Five. One of the Original Sixty-Minute Men in Japan.
Unforgettable Memories of a very funny friend
Tom Keenan May 19 2023 3:18 PM
The Measel Family lit a candle for John E. Gerner, Sr.
The Measel Family May 19 2023 12:40 PM
Stash and Donna Walerski lit a candle for John E. Gerner, Sr.
Stash and Donna Walerski May 19 2023 12:15 PM
My deepest condolences to all of Johns family. John was truly a great man. You never know where life will take you. I’m so glad that it took us so our paths crossed.
Joseph Brasberger May 19 2023 8:11 AM
Mary and I are so very sorry for your lost prayers to your family
Jim Garvey May 18 2023 10:25 AM
Our sympathies to John's Family and Friends. May you rest in peace.
Peggy and Dennis Goyette May 18 2023 9:13 AM
I am so sorry for the passing of John. Praying for Gods comfort. R.I.P. cuz
Mary May 18 2023 8:58 AM
WE are so sorry for the loss of my friend JOHN .We meet in 1st grade at St Hughes and our connection to soccer.lasted through the years even
We are sorry for the loss of our friend John. He had a great perspective on life and I'm proud to have him my friend for seventy years from first grade at St Hughes 3400 Howard St.
Dan Drumm May 18 2023 8:55 AM
Charlie & Joann Wilson 🙏🏻 lit a candle for John E. Gerner, Sr.
Charlie & Joann Wilson 🙏🏻 May 18 2023 8:00 AM