John Paul Gerber

Quincy, Mass.: John Paul Gerber of Quincy, Mass., passed away suddenly on June 12, 2010, after a year-long fight against pancreatic cancer. He was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Feb. 12, 1945, and grew up in Stillwater, Okla., and Menomonie, Wis. John received degrees from the University of Minn. and the University of Wis., where he received his PhD. Among John's scholarly writings, published in several languages, is his definitive biography of the early 20th century Dutch astronomer Anton Pannekoek, and role he played in European social reform movements; (Anton Pannekoek and The Socialism Of Workers' Self Emancipation 1873-1960). After receiving his MLS degree from Simmons College he served as an archivist at Harvard Law School, then became a medical archivist for the VA Boston Healthcare System.

John's passion was traveling the world on Vespa motor scooters and promoting travel on the machines he loved. In 1971, he completed a 25,000-mile trip on his Vespa to the southernmost tip of South America at Tierra del Fuego. Two years later he completed an around-the-world journey, riding the Trans-Asian highway from Jakarta to London. He was known as the world's foremost historian on the development, manufacture and spread of motor scooters as a practical means of everyday and leisure transportation. His many research articles and travel accounts were published internationally and he served as the historian of the Vespa Club of America. This year, he was honored at the national AmeriVespa rally in San Antonio, Texas, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

John was the devoted father of James Gerber of Brookline, Mass., and beloved brother of Joseph Gerber, Robert Gerber, Gwen Gerber and Claire (Gerber) Kalina. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Steven, Elena, Brenden, Ethan, and Amber.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Millie Gerber. He was the grandson of Henry P. and Agnes Gerber of Aberdeen. He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Aberdeen area.

Memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Network by calling 877-272-6226 (toll free) and ask for donor relations.

This obituary was originally published in the Aberdeen American News.