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Ronald Gmerek Obituary
The Reverend Ronald E. Gmerek, 70, died Thursday morning, February 11, 2016, in Erie.
Father Gmerek was born on June 10, 1945, in Morann, Pa., the son of Emilian and Elizabeth (Mick) Gmerek.
After graduating from Moshannon Valley High School, he attended Gannon College in Erie, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology before entering Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo to complete his formation for the priesthood. Fr. Gmerek was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Erie on May 20, 1971, in St. Peter Cathedral, by Bishop Alfred Watson.
Father Gmerek began his priestly ministry teaching at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, while assisting at St. Michael Parish in Greenville on the weekends. In 1976, he moved to a position at Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, while serving as weekend assistant at St. Jude, Erie. In 1986, he was appointed chaplain for Harborcreek Youth Services, a position which he held until 1993. He undertook additional studies at Penn State University from 1993-1996. During his studies, he lived at Christ the King Parish in Houtzdale. In 1996, Fr. Gmerek taught at DuBois Central Catholic High School, while assisting at Immaculate Conception Parish, Brookville, on the weekends. He was appointed to teach at Gannon University in August 1996 and he served on the faculty there until 1998. During his time at Gannon University, he also served as weekend assistant at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie. He had to leave the active priestly ministry due to his health in 1998. He was assigned as Priest in Residence in Our Mother of Sorrows Parish where he served at St. Ann, St. Casimir, and Holy Family Churches.
Fr. Gmerek is survived by his sisters, Barbara (Francis) Moore (State College, Pa.) and Diana (Andrew) Kitko (Michigan); his sister-in-law, Gloria (Raymond); two special nephews, Gregg and Dustin Heaton; a special niece, Theresa Heaton; along with many other nieces and nephews..
He was preceded in death by his parents; by his sister, Shirley; and by his brothers, Maxemilian and Raymond.
Visitation will be on Thursday, February 18, at St. Casimir Church, 629 Hess Avenue, Erie, PA 16503 from 9:30-10:45 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Bishop Lawrence Persico will be the main celebrant of the funeral. Burial will take place privately in St. Barbara Cemetery, Houtzdale, Pa.
The Mark G. Razanauskas Funeral Home, 701 East Avenue, Erie, is handling funeral services.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Gmerek
tom hartle
February 8, 2024
A friend whom isn still missed.
Tom Hartle
Eric Fromm
October 12, 2021
He was a good man, I remember him from Kennedy Christian.
Elaine & Rich Murawski
February 25, 2016
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Brother, Fr. Ron. He was one of a kind. His laughter, his twinkly eyes, his jokes, his friendliness, and his humbleness. He was a hometown boy. I worked at the rectory at Christ the King in Houtzdale when he was furthering his education at Penn State and was in residence at Christ the King. We've known Fr. Ron since we attended St. Barbara's Roman Catholic church. He was a very special priest, helpful, would do anything for anybody. Loved his sermons. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. Rest in peace Fr. Ron.
Gery Nietupski
February 22, 2016
To Fr. Gmerek's Family-- I am so very sorry to hear of Fr. Gmereks passing. He was an absolutely wonderful, witty, fair , fun person with a well developed sense of humor. I enjoyed getting to know him during his years at Cathedral Prep. He was a real gem who will be missed by many! Godspeed Fr. G.
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mary held
February 20, 2016
Thank you for your guidance and wisdom. You where there for the good and the bad. You gave me spiritual peace. May you now know the peace of God. You will be sorely missed.
Julie Sitter English
February 19, 2016
Giz was a bright light in my life during my high school years as I sat on the board of the Teenage Action Club (TAC) which he moderated. He was a kind man and a positive influence. May he rest in peace.
Patty Wellington
February 19, 2016
To the Gmerek Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our family loved Father Gmerek when he was at St Judes. We will miss him.
Bob and patty Wellington
Paul Olszewski
February 19, 2016
Fr. Gmerek was a very positive influence on my life at Cathedral Prep and college. He was truly a great man and will be sadly missed!!!
Jim Reid
February 19, 2016
A great man!Rest in peace Giz.
John Kleiner
February 18, 2016
A Theology III instructor for Cathedral Prep juniors, an AP biology teacher for seniors, a Teenage Action Club advisor for students of up to 4 Catholic high schools, and a parish priest for all age levels. Father Gmerek himself remained studious while teaching others the example of Jesus. May Giz now enjoy the Peace of Heaven!
Tom DiVecchio
February 18, 2016
We lost a true Christian in Father Gmerek. He was so instrumental not just in my Catholic upbringing, but was also so important in my formation during those trying teenage years at St. Judes. He was such a natural with the teenagers both at St. Judes and Cathedral Prep, where so many young men were influenced by his positive formation. My prayers are with you, Fr. Gmerek. You are no doubt enjoying the fruits of heaven after a successful life here on earth.
Fran Salapata Shenosky
February 17, 2016
Reading all these tributes to Fr Gene brings back all the memories of the young man I knew at Mo Valley. I remember when he told us he was going to be a priest. We lost contact over the years & always missed him at our class reunions. May God bless his soul & have him rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to his family
February 17, 2016
Dear Gmerek Family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. From his early assignment at St. Jude's in Erie, Fr. Gmerek was an instrumental part of our family's life. From Prep, to the ordination of James, and to the years afterward, Fr. Gmerek was always a rock of spiritual advice. He will be sorely missed. God Bless,
The Birds
John Ward
February 17, 2016
Fr. Gmerek (Giz) had such a great influence in my life. I'm sorry to hear of his passing but am glad he's in a better place. He touched so many people's lives and made us all better just knowing him. God bless him and welcome him into His kingdom.
Aulenbacher Family
February 16, 2016
Our prayers and condolences to the family.
during this difficult time!
Lisa & Nick Barbato
February 16, 2016
He was a very dear man,and he'll hold a special place in our hearts,he was sincere,and extremely funny with his jokes.Just about kindness,whenever you looked upon him.He will be missed.God Bless Him!
Stan Brzezicki
February 16, 2016
Father Ron : it's hard to believe, "Giz"that you're gone. You proved the adage that the good die young totally wrong! Cuz I was surprised that you weren't that young! You touvhed so many hearts as a priest and educator I'm sure so many people are sad when the news that you passed away has traveled. I know although it's had been many years since I've run into you that the smile of yours that twinkle in your eye when I saw you at St. Casmir's was like we were back at the faculty room of Prep all over again. I know that the good Father welcomes you home with open arms to the heavenly reward that you so justly deserve. God bless you Father Ron and keep an eye on us who will miss you so!!!
February 16, 2016
There never seems to be a good enough reason for us when we lose on of the "Great Ones". You will be missed but most importantly remembered fondly by ALL !
Chris Mennini
Bobbie Kozlowski
February 16, 2016
Remembering Father during his years at St Jude the Apostle...always with a smile and willingness to help whenever he could...
In our thoughts and prayers
Scott Bebko
February 16, 2016
God's speed Giz. You were one of the good teachers. Roll Ramblers.
Julie Bradley
February 16, 2016
We are truly a blessed family to have had Father Ron in our lives. He buried, married, baptized, eulogized and became our touchstone to our faith for many years. I met him during his first assignment in Greenville at St. Michael's and he quickly became an integral part of our family. He knew that he was always welcome and we enjoyed many family events and memorable family vacations together. He was my confessor for at least 20 years and we would often walk the beach together as he carefully listened and discerned my narrative, helping me make sense of my relationship with God. We, in the Bradley and McElhinny family will miss all the goodness in the world he represented.
Theresa Mcdowell
February 16, 2016
Father Ron was a kind and gentle mam. His love of people and animals was a testimonial of his faith. If you had a dog a few years ago around the neighborhood you or your dog would get a visit from FR.Ron as he would walk Fr. O'Hara"S dog.He will be truly be missed My deepest sympathy to Fr.Ron"s family and friends death leaves a heartache no one can heal but the love Fr.Ron had for everyone no one can steal.
Rest in peace.
Nina, Steve and Gus
February 16, 2016
We will miss your visits, conversations and humor Fr. Ron. May his memory be eternal.
February 16, 2016
Today, Father, you are with Our Lord in the Paradise He promised from His Cross. Well done, good and faithful Priest. Enjoy Eternity, and please intercede with our Heavenly Father for us still here on Earth.
Tom and Kay Weindorf
July 1980
Joseph Smith
February 15, 2016
July 1980
Joseph Smith
February 15, 2016
February 15, 2016
Joseph Smith
February 15, 2016
So thankful and blessed to have Fr. Gmerek officiate our wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh, July 1980. We loved your smile and admired your joyous faith. Rest in peace and God's grace.
Joseph Smith & Barbara Mattei-Smith
February 15, 2016
I had the pleasure of knowing Father for just a short time at the St. Paul' rectory A truly sweet person, he always makes me smile when I think of him. Rita S.
Rose Holenchik
February 15, 2016
Father Ron almost never forgot my first name! He'd say, I know it! I know it! and I would help him., and he smiled and said yes! Yes!!!and gave me a hug to say hello. He was truly a good friend and such a holy and devout priest. God will bless him forever in the arms of the Blessed Mother. You will be greatly missed Father Ron. You were truly loved by all.
Rose Holenchik
Lynn Squeglia
February 15, 2016
Fr. Giz you brought joy and laughter and a deep sense of peace to those you worked with in the Teenage Action Club. Anyone could see that you truly enjoyed teaching and working with teens. May you rest in peace.
Jim & Sandy Globa
February 15, 2016
Fr.Ron was a St Tommy More during his Gannon Days. We spent time living at Maria House. There was no doubt that he had an intense desire to become a priest. After my mother-in-law suffered a stroke, he was very supportive in helping us understand what she was going through. We saw Fr. Ron at various social events and he inspired me to be upbeat despite life challenges.
Rob Nowak
February 15, 2016
I knew Fr. Gmerek from my time at Prep. He was a great priest, advisor, counselor and teacher. Some of my fondest memories are from interactions with him. He was our Fr. Gizmo, a reference to the movie Gremlins. We shared many a laugh over that. God bless him and his family.
February 15, 2016
Mary Alice & Paul,WALsh
Richard Laskowsky
February 15, 2016
My best friend from Morann...I regret not contacting him the past years..I'll miss him.
12/30/1988
Kristen Short
February 15, 2016
Our love and gratitude to Father Gmerek for doing pre-cana for my husband Chris and I and marrying us in 1988. It was truly a gift to have Father Gmerek in our lives. Rest in heavenly peace, Father. With love from Kristen and Chris Short
Debra
February 14, 2016
A True kind priest who put others before himself. He will be missed. One who never judged and always encouraged. Will be missed.
Renee Matczak Trost
February 14, 2016
Fr Gmerek was our moderator for the Teenage Action Club back in 1990 where he brought together students from MPS Villa and Prep. He was a very kind man and he is remembered fondly. May he rest in peace.
February 14, 2016
You will be in our prayer's Jenny Gmerek and family Rest in peace.
Mark Dugan
February 14, 2016
Rest in Pease my dear friend I will miss our time together.
Andrew & Carla Konzel
February 14, 2016
Fr. Gmerek was truly a gift to us all, and has touched countless lives with his wit and compassion. We were honored to know him and have him officiate our wedding.
Mr. And Mrs. Jim Stodart and Family
February 14, 2016
Our hearts are sad. We loved walking into Christ the King or Holy Trinity and seeing his smiling face. He will be missed.
Cindi Pollock
February 14, 2016
Rest in heavenly peace Fr. Ron. You are very loved and sorely missed at St marys Home.
Ann Marie Fosco
February 14, 2016
My deepest sympathy. Fr. Gmerek was a kind man and a very dedicated priest who was a true blessing. He was a phenomenal example to all of the Christian faith. He will be sadly missed but will remain forever in the thoughts and hearts of the many lives he touched. Please know you and yours are in my prayers.
Ann Marie Fosco
Mary Vingless
February 14, 2016
Father Ron was a great neighbor for the past 48 years. I will especially miss his visits and the talks we shared. I will always treasure the Christmas decorations he gave me ever year. Rest in Peace. You will be greatly missed.
Michael & Nancy Kochan
February 14, 2016
You will be missed by all
Rest in peace
Crissy Vingless Lidgett
February 14, 2016
Father Ron was one of the nicest men I know. It was an honor being his neighbor for all these years. He will be greatly missed.
February 14, 2016
Fr. Ron was a good friend to the parishioners at Christ the King in Houtzdale, often filling in when a priest was needed. The Houtzdale Catholics will miss his smiling face and lively homilies.
Bob and Dee Skonier
February 14, 2016
May God bless his soul. My wife and I went to school with Gene, as he was known as a kid. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Kathy Kern
February 14, 2016
That captivating smile and laugh will be one of my fondest memories of Fr Ron. He had a lasting positive influence on my whole family back in the 70's when he was at St. Jude.
Tom HARTLE
February 14, 2016
May you rest in peace.
Remembering fondly our days as students at CKS.
TR
February 14, 2016
I had the honor of working with "Giz" in St. Jude's CCD program for a few years. What a super guy!! Mary Stephany Theiss Lyons, Stuart, FL
Mary Ann Cessna
February 14, 2016
Sincere sympathy to all of the family from the Margaret Flango family. We truly enjoyed Fr. Ron's time at St. Lawrence parish, and Mary Ann Flango Cessna went to CCD classes with Fr. Ron. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Frank DeRosa
February 14, 2016
To the Gmerek family,
Giz was a special person in my life. He was my teacher at Prep and we continued our relationship years after. He helped me through a very difficult time in my life. He always had a smile on is face and he lit up a room with his personality. I will miss him tremendously.
Carm V
February 14, 2016
Fr. Gmerek was a beautiful person and a great priest. May he rest in peace.
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Kloecker-Razanauskas Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Erie4396 Iroquois Avenue, Erie, PA 16511
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