Gerhard Otto "Gerd" Urban

Gerhard "Gerd" Otto Urban of Glenolden, Pa., died peacefully on October 26, 2025, at the age of 94. Born to Otto and Almuth (née Pophanken) Urban in Ridley Park, Pa., on December 14, 1930, Gerd moved to Oldenburg, Germany, with his family before his first birthday. At 18, he boarded the USNS Pamanset, washing dishes on the ship as he returned to the U.S., where he met Betty Emberger at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Norwood, Pa. Marrying in 1951, the two planted roots in Delaware County, where they built a life and family over the next 57 years, until her death in 2008.

After an apprenticeship in horticulture and landscaping, Gerhard first worked at a greenhouse and nursery, and then at Ludwig Honold Manufacturing. For 35 years, he was employed by General Electric's Reentry and Space Systems Division, where his duties included work on satellites and deep space probes. A longtime Freemason, Gerhard served as Grand Master of the Prospect Park Masonic Temple, and also belonged to the Bavarian Volksfest Verein and Delaware Saengerbund.

His family recalls his love of German folk music, harmonica playing, and many memorable camping trips. Gerhard was also a major history and geography buff, something of a "human atlas," according to his family. They describe him as a hero to his children, instilling in them a strong work ethic, and as the "ultimate do-it-yourselfer" who enjoyed working on handcrafted wood and sheet metal projects.

Gerhard is survived by his longtime companion, Irmgard Czymek; brother Karl Heinz; five children, Klaus (Carolyn), Sandy (JR), Gary (Tina), Ronald, and David (Jeannine); five grandchildren, Christie and Jim Casselring, Garret (Drew), Olivia Urban, and Mark Menze; and many great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Gerhard was preceded in death by son Raymond and brother Hans, as well as daughter-in-law Kim Warrington and son-in-law Jim Casselring.

Relatives and friends are invited to services at Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa., on Tuesday, November 4. Visitation is from 5 to 7 PM; there will be a Masonic Service at 6:30 followed by a Funeral Service at 7. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at Delaware Saengergund, 49 Salem Church Road, Newark, Del., on Tuesday, November 11 at 12:30 PM.

Immanuel Lutheran Church of Norwood, Pa., has been an important part of the Urban family since the 1920s. The church sponsored Gerhard's parents, Otto and Almuth, as well as Gerhard and Betty, on their journeys from Germany to the U.S. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerhard's memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church here or by mailing a check to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 Chester Pike, Norwood, PA 19074.