Edward L. Gerardi, 86, died December 13, 2009 at home in Sebastian. He was born June 17, 1923 in the Bronx, New York, one of ten children of Carmine and Pia Gerardi. He lived in Sebastian for 19 years.
Ed served in the US Army during World War II and landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Edward and his five brothers were documented to be the largest number of siblings to have served at the same time on active duty during the War. Ed and three brothers, Mario, Emilio and Dante served in Europe and Vincent and Peter served in the Pacific. All returned home safely to a grateful family.
After the war, Edward graduated in 1950 from Fordham University with a Pharmacy degree. He was a chemistry teacher for 25 years at East Meadow, NY High School and after that, an adjunct professor of chemistry at Nassau Community College, all while continuing his profession as a pharmacist. He raised his family in Farmingdale, Long Island, NY , where he expanded and remodeled his home and led a number of camping expeditions, which produced memories and stories which will last as family lore.
He and his wife Joan moved to Sebastian in 1990 where he enjoyed his daily marathon walks, gardening activities and family visits.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Whelan Gerardi; his sons, Richard Gerardi of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida and Christopher Gerardi of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; his daughter, Elizabeth Rubenacker of Brockport, New York; his brothers, Vincent Gerardi of Chestertown, Maryland and Armand Gerardi of Orange, Connecticut; his sisters, Tina Gustafson of Orange, Connecticut and Rose Gerardi of Marietta, Georgia; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathy Didio and five brothers.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Indian River-Vero Beach Humane Society.
Arrangements by Seawinds Funeral Home & crematory, Sebastian, Florida. Condolences may be sent to www.Seawindsfh.com/obit.php