WILLI GERLACH

WILLI GERLACH 01/31/1936 - 07/16/2025 STERLING - Willi Gerlach, 89, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2025, surrounded by love after living a long and meaningful life. Born on January 31, 1936, in the former eastern territory of Wehrwilten, East Prussia, Germany, now part of Poland, he was the son of the late Friedrich and Bertha (Steinau) Gerlach. On his ninth birthday, during the Russian occupation, Willi and his family were forced to evacuate their home, beginning a long journey westward in a horse and carriage in search of safety during World War II. After the upheaval of the war, the family eventually resettled in West Germany where Willi attended trade school before moving to the city of Bochum to work as a mechanic. From a young age, Willi dreamed of coming to America. With determination and help from his Tante Elise Fateiger and her husband, who sponsored him, they navigated months of paperwork, medical examinations, and preparations before he boarded a ship bound for New York arriving on April 6, 1961. He was greeted by his Onkel Valentine, Tante, and cousins Erna, Ruthie and Ralph. He then traveled to Bolton, Massachusetts, where he began his new life, all without speaking a word of English. Willi built a life rooted in hard work and devotion to family. Before his retirement in 1996, he worked for 31 years at R.E. Chapman Co. in Oakdale, Mass., taking great pride in never missing a day of work. In his early years in America, he worked at Clinton Buick, met many new friends and relatives, and enjoyed his time at the Acre Club. In 1966, he married Nancy (Sheridan), with whom he shared 49 years of marriage until her passing in 2015. They bought a home in Clinton, Mass., and together raised three children who were the center of his world: Karin Patenaude and her husband, Brian of Rutland, Mass.; William Gerlach of Dallas, Texas; and Heidi Grady and her husband Tim of Sterling, Mass., with whom he lived for the past 15 years. Willi was a loving and doting Grampy to his five grandchildren, Dylan, Luke, and Kendall Grady, and Kyle and Brenna Patenaude, who brought him endless joy. They became the center of his world, and he was the center of theirs. He is also survived by his brother, Ortwin Gerlach and his wife, Eleonore of Mengerskirchen, Germany. He was predeceased by his sisters Elle Bingel, Herta Voight, Helga Schäfer, Edith Gerlach and his brother Kurt Gerlach. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews in Germany as well. Willi loved animals especially his faithful cats, Pablo and Tuco, and his loyal dog, Ozzy, who was, in his eyes, the smartest dog that ever lived. A man of many interests, Willi was a fair-weathered fan of Boston sports. He loved watching the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox, though he was never shy about expressing his displeasure when they lost, played poorly, or when the coach made a call which he believed he could have done better. He firmly believed Bobby Orr was the greatest athlete of all time and was not a fan of Bill Belichick, no matter how many Super Bowl rings he had to show for it. He found great joy in watching his grandchildren's sporting events and cherished family celebrations over a delicious steak or hibachi dinner. He also enjoyed his monthly visits to Foxwoods Casino, specifically the slots and roulette. In recent years, he discovered a fondness for Mexican food but only at The Brick in Sterling, a restaurant he loved so much that at 85, he regretted not trying it sooner. He enjoyed playing the lottery daily and will miss his friends at Lanpher's Market in Sterling. In retirement, he was a devoted fan of his morning game shows, especially The Price Is Right, which he even attended in person for a taping in 2015. Willi's memory will be cherished by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, hard work, humor and a deep love for his family and pets. Calling hours were held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. with a funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. in Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Burial will be in Reservoir Pines Cemetery, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, an organization that reunited Willi with his father and older brother after World War II, a service organization he deeply admired and never forgot. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.