Walter Gerich

Walter Raymond Gerich, "Lou", 96, of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at Baywoods of Annapolis on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth ("Betty") Tutwiler; his three sons; Michael David, Mark Raymond and Martin William; one daughter, Michele (Gerich) Doyel; and two granddaughters; Ginger Marie Doyel and Cathleen Michele Doyel. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Mignon (Jenkins) Gerich; and his brother Josesph Gerich. Lou was born June 12, 1920, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Gerich of Wilkinsburg, PA. He spent his early years in Wilkinsburg and graduated from Carlyle Academy. His higher education began at the Citadel where he spent three years before being appointed to the United States Naval Academy. While at the academy Lou was appointed a Batallion Commander and graduated with the Class of 1945. A member of "The Greatest Generation," he was a World War II Navy veteran, serving on the USS Lyman K. Swenson in the Pacific Theater. During the war he participated in seven major Naval campaigns. After returning home from the war, Lou was selected to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Naval Engineering Masters program. After graduating from MIT Lou taught complex variable mathematics for the Univ. of Virginia while stationed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He went on to become a Vice President for Maryland Shipbuilding & Drydock in Baltimore, MD, before becoming the U.S. Representative for both North and South America for Thyssen/Rheinstahl Nordseewerke Shipbuilding in Emden, Germany. He later became the North American Director of Blohm & Voss, Hamburg, Germany. Lou's passion for life was the source of many adventures for his wife and himself. While at the Citadel he took private pilot lessons and was highlighted in the newspaper for having flown under a local bridge. Though not in the cockpit, his passion for flight continued throughout his life and together with Non he traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America where they developed their shared love of Brazilian music. He was an avid reader. While not travelling, he could be found at his home in Annapolis with a good book and one of his many dachshunds by his side. A true gentleman, Lou's humble spirit and compassionate ways will be missed by all. The family would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all Lou's caring professionals from both Baywoods of Annapolis and the Four Seasons chapter of Hospice. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew's Chapel, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. Father Eric Hoog (ex USN), a close friend, will officiate. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.