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Eugene Gerlach Obituary
Eugene Joseph Gerlach was born in Elmont, Long Island to parents George and Anna Gerlach on December 4, 1938. The family moved to Maryland and settled in Silver Spring. Gene attended Montgomery Blair High School and went to CREI (Capitol Radio and Electrical Institute) in Washington, D.C. Upon joining the U.S. Navy from 1962 -1967, he studied photography and became a professional photographer. He worked for WTTG and then for CBS as a news photographer for many years. Two of his favorite historic assignments were traveling to China with the Nixon entourage and sailing down the Hudson River on Tall Ships with President Ronald Regan during the American bicentennial. The sky was ablaze with fireworks as the ships passed the Statue of Liberty. He also worked at the Schubert Theater, the U-Line-Arena, Kennedy Center, the National Theater, the Arena Stage, and Hertz Metrotone News.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife Doris Jean Bishop Gerlach, his 3 daughters-Anne Marie Gerlach, Jennifer Anne Gerlach, and Alleen Bingham Messick (Scott). Additionally, his former wife-Alleen Leonardo, 3 stepdaughters - Eileen Sandra Usher (Brian), Cynthia Lynn Baruch (Judi), Dorothy Ann Myers (Keith) - grandchildren Nathan Messick, Jamie Gerlach, Wendy Usher, Joey Usher, Timmy Usher (Megan), Danny Usher, Nick Usher, Kristina Prange, Kelli Prange, Kaitlyn Prange, Noah Myers, Luke Myers, and a great-granddaughter Kaydance Gerlach and many beloved nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers George Gerlach and Gerald Gerlach.
Gene volunteered at the Goodwill and the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry/thrift store in Easton. During his life, he felt a calling to serve others by giving out coats to the homeless and feeding the poor on the streets in winter near his workplace. His hobbies were refinishing furniture and going to "yard sales". He was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir.
Gene is known for his friendly and kind manner. He would always flash that smile and have a twinkle in the eye! He had a great sense of humor, and everybody loved him!
After searching many years for his "Brigadoon" - in which he could retire-he found it in a community beside the waters of the Choptank River. He built a beautiful home and spent over 28 years of peaceful joy and pure happiness in "the Cottage" by the river.
"Like a river to the sea, I will always be with you and if you sail away, I will follow you" Words from the song "One More Night" - Our Song
The family asks that all gifts and donations be given to Talbot Hospice in Easton Maryland.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Gerlach
#1
March 5, 2024
Poppers miss you so much! Loved talking to you about the great deals we would find shopping and the excitement in our voices when we would buy the deal!! Calling you about tractors, cars, electrical problems and everything else under the sun, when I needed help figuring out the problems they caused. Dump runs, yard sales, auctions, Chinese food, cars, real estate will never be the same without you. Love you so much!
Dot Myers
February 25, 2024
We Love you so much
DGBGerlach
February 23, 2024
The last tractor ride. He could fix anything with his German ingenuity!
Dot Myers
February 22, 2024
Thank you God for blessing me with an amazing dad and friend. I know he is up in heaven making jokes and bringing smiles and laughter to all.
Pops
I will miss our every day
morning chats, the wise words and advice you gave me. I will miss the laughter and love you brought into my life.
I know I wasn´t always easy but your love, patience and kindness helped me and guided me through life.
We shared many things in common which we talked about these last few months. I will forever treasure all the memories we have shared.
I am so grateful that you and mom found one another again you made her life complete and filled with so much Love.
I know I will forever miss you but I know you´re by my side.
I´ll always cherish you, I´ll always Love you and I´ll always remember you.
Keith R. Myers
February 21, 2024
I met Gene when I was 18 years old and have had the opportunity for him to be a part of my life ever since. There are so many fond memories of my times shared with Gene! I remember early on that he would be "tough" on me when I road my motorcycle over to visit :) Later in life we share a love for many types of foods, especially scrapple!
After I lost my parents, Gene and Doris become my new mom and dad and I've been so blessed to have them in my life. My wife and I were married at their beautiful "Cottage by the Sea" and loved visiting, spending time with them when our busy lives would allow for it.
Gene was a great and caring man, whom I loved sincerely. He will always been in my heart and memories.
Doris
February 20, 2024
My darling Gene, the love of my life will forever be in my heart
Nathan Messick
February 15, 2024
Pop-Pop knew how to have a good time no matter where he was or what he was doing. He loved a good bargain almost as much as he loved spreading joy and smiles to others. He was as strong as an ox, stubborn as a mule, and the most kind, caring man you´d ever meet.
Ever a man of many hats, Pop-pop was a grandfather, a father, a mentor, and most of all, a dearly beloved friend. You are sorely missed. Thank you for everything.
Kelli Prange
February 15, 2024
Turkey Creek Jack, Yard Sales, Goodwill trips, Chinese buffets, Golden Corral, jumping into the river and seeing pops driving down on the tractor!!
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