Robert Adam Gerlach

Bob is survived by his loving wife Jane Gerlach, married 64 years; his daughter Julie Tharin and her husband George Tharin; grandsons Ryan Tharin and Alec Tharin; his son Tim Gerlach and his wife Carol Gerlach; his grandchildren Ashley Gerlach, and Timmy Gerlach; his twin sister Dorothy Potter, his sister Barbara Dunn and her husband Lynn Dunn.

Bob was born, June 4th, 1929 in Indianapolis Indiana. He joined the armed services at age 17 and served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy and the U.S, Air Force with air combat tours during the Korean War. He returned home in 1955 and met the love of his life Jane (Davis). They married shortly thereafter at Little Flower Catholic Church in Indianapolis. In 1957 they moved to Tampa and lived happily in a modest South Tampa home. They quickly became members of Christ the King Church, during which time Bob was asked and served as President of Catholic Charities Non Profit in Tampa for several years. In 1964, Bob and Jane moved north “to the boonies” at the time into their new custom built home on West Burke Street where they still reside today.

They became Parishioners of the upstart St. Lawrence Catholic Parish nearby. It was here at St. Lawrence where Bob fostered a special closeness and comradery with many life-long friendships. Bob was a charismatic, leader and a volunteer with great organizational qualities and natural people skills. He had a wonderful demeanor, a great sense of humor with an infectious laugh. He gave much of his time and talents during the formidable years with Msgr. Higgins et al at St. Lawrence School and Church. He was Parents Club President, Carnival Chairman, Grounds Maintenance supervisor, Choir Member, and Church Eucharistic Minister with Jane always alongside with love and support.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerlach are listed as “Builder” Contributors on the bronze Founders Wall plaques in the Church Piazza grounds. They helped build the new St. Lawrence Church then and have memorialized Bob now for many faithful generations to come.

Bob received the prestigious fourth-degree Knight from the order of the Knights of Columbus in Tampa. Bob was a parent volunteer for Jesuit High School, Tampa Catholic High School, and after retirement at age 79 a volunteer at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa.

Bob served on the City of Tampa Police department and most notably at the time on the Special Investigative Unit. He served as Business Manager for Sacred Heart Church in downtown Tampa; He was Operations Manager for West Shore Mall, Business Manager for Berkley Preparatory School, Tampa, and Property Manager for Wise Property Management, Tampa.

Bob was considered a citizen of the greatest generation of our time. He witnessed many special places in this world while serving his country abroad and while always traveling with his family throughout the United States and the Caribbean. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather. “Papa” was a genuine man, honest, trusting, debonair, and very much loved by his family, friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and his many canine companions.

He truly enjoyed and appreciated the life that God bestowed on him. Bob practiced his Catholic faith devoutly and with compassion. “Family and Faith” were his most important ideals in life. Bob loved Jane unconditionally for over 64 years. Together, they taught us the meaning of life and we were witnesses to their never ending love and commitment to each other every day. Bob always looked forward and welcomed the gathering of family and friends. He greeted you with a smile and a firm handshake. When you parted, he hugged you and gave you that wave good bye.

He would always ask you “So when will I see you again”.

Dad, Papa, and loving husband we will miss you and will always be forever in our hearts.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.