Captain John Gera Jr.

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. John Gera Jr. was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, John will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

John’s life journey began on July 23, 1930. He first greeted the world in Mahwah, New Jersey, where he would grow up. Growing up for John was an involving experience. It allowed him to learn and grow and create all kinds of memories. The values that came from that neighborhood would serve him throughout his life.

A lot of what shaped John’s life was how he was raised. He was raised with two siblings, an older sister, Mary and a younger brother, George. John was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced the typical rivalries of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years. His best friend growing up was Omar.

After high school, the next big step in a person’s life is heading off to college. How someone reacts to the freedom and responsibility shows a great deal about their character and the person they will become. John enjoyed his college years. Though it was a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied it, he was able to manage the balancing act. John earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Master in Business Administration and a Master in Engineering.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. John was lucky enough to experience that magic twice. He first married Joan Jacoby Gera on September 1, 1951 and was saddened when she passed away February 3, 1993. John later experienced the magic of love again with Karen Sue Gera. John exchanged wedding vows with Karen on January 4, 1995. The couple had Gomez, the most beautiful dog in the world to share their new life with.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. John worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. John was blessed with six children, Bruce Phillip, Jan Patrice, John William, Cheryl Ann, Roxanne Elizabeth and Julia Rose. He worked hard toward raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, John enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, John worked diligently and did his best to succeed in each of his jobs. While he worked several jobs over his life, John’s primary occupation was working as a rocket engineer. He was enlisted in the US Navy for 37 years and then spent 32 years with Rockwell, retiring in 1987.

He retired as a Captain in the Navy. While in the military, John spent his free time boxing and playing baseball. He earned several awards recognizing him for his accomplishments, including Purple Heart. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. John enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, but the thing he enjoyed most was playing sports, such as baseball, football or golf. There was nothing John enjoyed more than watching old war movies and his beloved Yankees play on TV.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Northwest Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.