Dr. Louis A. Gebhard

Dr. Louis A. Gebhard, Jr., scholar of Eastern European diplomatic and military history and former professor of history at SUNY Cortland, died on April 23, 2023 at his home at Canterbury Woods Retirement Center, Williamsville, New York. Dr. Gebhard was the beloved husband of the late Ann (nee O'Connell) Gebhard, Phd; devoted father of Catherine (John Riley) Zweig, Jean (Tom) McManus, Meg (Domenick Sciaruto, MD) Gebhard, Liz (late Craig Michaels) Gebhard, and Louis F. (Jill) Gebhard; loving grandfather of Clare (John Farley) Zweig, Ian (Nia Pellone, DO) Zweig, Neil McManus, Anna Sciaruto, Alex Sciaruto, Patrick Zweig, Ellie Gebhard, Katie Gebhard, and Owen Gebhard; brother of the late James (Joan) Gebhard; brother-in-law of the late Jean (late Warren) Madsen. Lou is also survived by loving nieces and nephews.

Dr. Gebhard was born in Easton, Pennsylvania on June 12, 1928 to Rose (nee McNamee) Gebhard and Louis A. Gebhard, affectionately known as Red. While earning a bachelor's and later a master's degree at Montclair State, he met his future wife, Ann. They were married on June 28, 1958.

Lou taught history and Spanish at Roselle Park High School from 1951 to 1958. Lou and his young family then moved to Amherst to teach at the University of Massachusetts from 1963 to 1965. In 1965, he was awarded a Phd in history from Rutgers University. In 1965, Lou accepted a teaching position at SUNY Cortland. At Cortland, Lou was assistant dean of the division of arts and sciences from 1966 to 1968. In the Fall of 1968, Lou returned full-time to teaching and scholarship. Dr. Gebhard would continue teaching European history until his retirement on August 1, 1991. In 2014, he and Ann moved from their home in Cortland to Canterbury Woods Retirement Center.

Professor Gebhard's research over three decades primarily explored the causes of war and militarism in Europe from the late 19th century through World War I. Frequently supported by grants-in-aide from the State University of New York Research Foundation, he compiled a record of research and scholarship that details the development and demise of the Austro-Hungarian navy.

When Lou retired, he and Ann loved relaxing at their cabin on Seneca Lake, or hosting family and friends for dinners and parties at their home on William Street in Cortland.

Lou loved sharing his passion for history with family and friends. Son-in-law, Tom, recalls: "He was a living and breathing Wikipedia. When I would ask him about an historical event Lou would delight me with anecdotes and insights. He made history gripping, intriguing, and most important, entertaining."

If desired, contributions in Lou's memory may be made to the Cortland College Foundation, PO Box 2000, Brockway Hall, Cortland, NY 13045. Please note on the memo line that your donation is in memory of Dr. Louis Gebhard.