Larry J. Gerhard

1941 - 2021

Larry Joe Gerhard, 80, of Starrucca, PA entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen Cassidy-Gerhard with whom he shared over 39 years of loving marriage. Born on February 8, 1941 in Ellwood City, PA, he was son of the late Russell E. Gerhard and Betty (Anderson) Chitwood.

Larry's career spanned decades and industries. His first job was at North American Aviation, where he worked as a programmer on the original Apollo space program. He held engineering and business degrees and ran several high-tech and e-commerce companies. He traveled the globe – from Paris to Tel Aviv to Tokyo – pursuing business interests and sat on the board of many successful companies. Larry liked to say he was retired, but truth be told, he never really stopped working. He became an entrepreneur with his children later in life, founding and operating a physical therapy company and successful retail beer businesses. He loved to share his knowledge and helped many family members and friends with their business endeavors.

Larry worked hard and played hard. In his younger days, he was a motorcycle enthusiast, racing in the Baja 1000 and cruising around California with his brothers on his Harley Davidson. He was an avid golfer, member of Saucon Valley Country Club and enjoyed traveling to play famous courses around the world. He loved a friendly competition, whether it be a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit, bridge, poker or solving a Rubik's cube faster than his grandchildren. He was always difficult to beat. He loved good food and fine wine and owned a 15-acre vineyard outside Portland, OR for many years. An outdoorsman who pursued a forestry degree early in life, Larry enjoyed nature and wildlife and liked nothing better than hunting, fishing and hiking through the woods. He spent his downtime snowmobiling, four-wheeling or just jumping in a buggy to ride around his beloved Starrucca farm with his grandchildren in tow.

Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife Kathy; daughters, Kamala N. Bongiorno and husband John and Kristen N. Mesa and husband Jacob; grandchildren, Gabriella Bongiorno, Olivia Bongiorno, and Desmond Mesa; brother, Edward C. Gerhard; the extended Cassidy and Gerhard families. He was predeceased by his brother, Russell M. Gerhard.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. A party in Larry's honor will be held in late August/early September. Details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Larry to Wildlife for Everyone Foundation, wildlifeforeveryone.org or the Prostate Cancer Foundation, pcf.org.