Ralph E. Gerner

Ralph Elliott Gerner, a beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on December 30, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, Ralph's journey through life was marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwaveringly friendly spirit that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Ralph was the cherished husband of Mary Gerner, with whom he shared a loving and adventurous life. His family was the cornerstone of his world, and he is survived by his devoted wife, his two stepchildren, John (Judie) Kemp and Debbie (Don) Haehl, his adored grandchildren, Alicia (Jacquie) Krown, Joe (Allison) Kemp, Lexie Haehl, and Alana Haehl, as well as his treasured great-grandchildren, Oliver and Elliott Krown, and Tommy Kemp. His brother, Dave (Jean) Gerner, and sister, Phyllis Kreigbaum, along with several nieces and nephews, will fondly remember Ralph's gentle guidance and warm presence. Ralph was predeceased by his foster parents, Floyd and Harriet Tucker, who set him on a path to a bright future.
Ralph's academic pursuits led him to earn a Master's Degree in Chemistry from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His service to his country was exemplified during his time in the Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Following his military service, Ralph embarked on a successful career as a Chemist for Pennwalt Pharmaceuticals, eventually retiring as a respected Quality Control Auditor.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ralph was a man of faith, finding strength and solace in his Christian beliefs. He loved music and art always having the latest music album playing. He explored bird watching with his wife Mary with his camera and binoculars in hand. Photography and birding were among his greatest passions. Together with Mary, Ralph traveled far and wide in search of unique birds to add to their birding list, capturing the beauty of these creatures through his lens.
Ralph's interests were diverse and always shared. He found joy on the golf course, playing with his friends Carl and Bruce, and took great pleasure in teaching his granddaughters, Lexie and Alana, the finer points of the game. Fishing trips with his friend Bruce were less about the catch and more about the camaraderie, with most of their haul returned to the water. But above all, Ralph loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was the grandfather who dressed up for tea parties with his granddaughters Alicia, Lexie and Alana and played games he would always let them win and delighted in activities like miniature golf and gardening with his grandson Joe. These moments were the ones he treasured most.
To describe Ralph in a few words would be to say he was the epitome of kindness, generosity, and friendliness. His warm smile and gentle nature made him a friend to many and a stranger to none. Ralph's legacy is one of love, laughter, and the countless lives he enriched simply by being himself. His memory will live on in the stories shared by those who loved him and the impact he made on the world around him.
Ralph's life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, and while he will be deeply missed, the memories he created with his family and friends will be cherished forever.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.