John Donald Gerrich

John Donald Gerrich, Sr., age 85, of Cranberry Twp., passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025.
Born on November 3, 1940, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Petrulak) Gerrich of Pittsburgh.
Upon graduating at the age of 17 from Perry High School of Pittsburgh, John was employed at the H. J. Heinz Company Headquarters on the North Side for over 45 years, working as a Lead Maintenance Supervisor. John proudly served as an Army Specialist member of the United States Armed Forces. He was honorably discharged on September 13, 1966. After his retirement from H. J. Heinz Co., John worked for over 20 years as an independent home improvement contractor, where he specialized in both exterior and interior painting.
John volunteered multiple summers as a coach for his daughter's Cranberry Twp. Athletic Association softball teams in the 1980's. All four daughters played on his team where they won a league championship and made dozens of trips to the Dairy Queen across from the ballfield to celebrate. He also coached his youngest son's youth football team.
He was an active member of St. Ferdinand's Parish of Cranberry Twp. for over 50 years, volunteering for their annual church festival. John loved going to cheer on his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates his entire life; starting at Forbes Field as a child, at Three Rivers Stadium, and finally at PNC Park, where his son John worked for 21 seasons as a grounds crew leader. He especially loved going to the T-Shirt Friday and Bobblehead games.
John was extremely loyal, supporting his entire family's everyday events. He loved the Penn State Nittany Lions, Seneca Valley Community, and Alliquippa football. Spending time with his family and his card club friends was essential to him. John was a diehard Neil Diamond fan. He saw him in concert dozens of times with his family and loved singing his songs. He will be most remembered as a person who was always willing to help anyone and assist with any situation.
John leaves behind his loving children, John Gerrich, Jr. of Cranberry Twp., Catherine (Gary) Horner of Trafford, Gemma (Brian) Henry of North Sewickley Twp., Rachel (Todd) Humes of Prospect, and David (Paula) Gerrich of New Brighton; his 14 adored grandchildren, Vincent, Chelsey, Nick, Michael, Rachelle, Sydney, Tristain, Nathan, Jordan, Max, Jacob, Joe, Elise, and Elena; his six great-grandchildren, Ziyah, Daniel, Gemma, Yara, Juna, and Dree; and his brother-in-law, Leo Rourke, of Tomball, TX. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gemma Gerrich; his daughter, Laura Gerrich; his sisters, Madeline, Mary, and Martha; and his brother, Mike.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, with visitation from 9:00 A.M. until the time of Mass at 10:00 A.M. at Divine Grace Parish - St. Ferdinand's Church, 2535 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066. Military Honors for John will follow at the conclusion of the service at the church.
John will be laid to rest at St. John Vianney Cemetery, 920 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15210.