In honor of Louis A Gebhard, Jr. 


Father Joe has asked me to speak for a few moments on Dad’s belief in God and Jesus Christ as a Roman Catholic. This a rather tall order, but I will do my best to honor and capture the spiritual side of a very reserved and very private man. 

In thinking about how to respond to this question, I recall asking dad about his religious beliefs when I was in my late twenties after one of mom’s big easter brunches at 14 William Street in Cortland. He said something like “how can anyone not believe in God” and mom chimed in with something about the “mystery of faith.” 

Rather quickly, the conversation shifted to Dad and I talking about the history of the Catholic Church. It was one of those rare moments when he gave a remarkable off-the-cuff lecture by listing the names of different Popes from the fall of the Western Roman Empire into the Renaissance. His ability to recall dates and fact, even into his 90s, was always astounding. 

So, let me return to Father Joe’s question—a question which gives me a much needed focus for this eulogy and some emotional guard rails as I try to say something meaningful about such a remarkable and unassuming husband, father, scholar, and Christian.

Throughout dad’s life, he was a devoted husband who took the sacrament of marriage and his vow to love and honor my mother very seriously. Despite their many differences, he always allowed mom to be who she was at a time when many Irish Catholic men of his generation would have had much more trouble in supporting her as she pursued her passions. These, as you all know, included her love of throwing a good party, her insatiable desire for new experiences and travel, her own academic goals, and her non-stop political activity. Dad never curbed Mom’s enthusiasm for life despite often chanting “go nowhere, join nothing, buy nothing, nothing must happen.” 

As a father, he was also devoted to our well-being and took seriously the responsibility of proving for five 

It was a true pleasure knowing both your parents. They treated me like family from the first time we met. There will always be a special place in my heart for the two of them. My God bless their souls.

Fondly,
Sally-Jo

Lou Gebhard was a wonderful history professor. I was a student in his WWI course
and will never forget how well he explained the causes of the war. In fact, when I became a professor, I relied on my notes from his class to organize my lectures on World War I.  He will be missed.

Lou Gebhard was a friend and colleague at SUNY Cortland.  He was a special person, a presence that enlivened us all, a great colleague, and a wonderful historian and teacher.   He was a special presence as an individual, a wonderful teacher for his students, a great and lively colleague.  In our retired lives our paths crossed less often than they did at SUNY Cortland where our offices were close by in Old Main.  I'm saddened to learn of his passing and the news awakens great memories of our shared lives -- our offices were close by each other and Lou was a terrific collague, historian and teacher, and a presence that brought light to all us who counted him as friend and colleague. Deep condolences to his family.  Lou will be missed.  Henry Steck (emeritus professor SUNY Cortland).

I was lucky enough to meet this special man & eat a meal with him at his daughter's (Cathy)  place, poolside.  He had a lot of interesting historical tales to amuse us with.  His sweetness lives on in Cathy & her kids.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Dr. Louis A. Gebhard

12 juin 1928 – 23 avril 2023

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

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