John E. Gerardi passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, May 2nd, 2022. John was born in Columbus, Ohio to John Salvatore Gerardi and Stella Gloria D’Angelo Gerardi on April 10th, 1950. He was a graduate of Bishop Hartley High School, THE Ohio State University and received his MBA from Capital University. John had a long career with the Franklin County Courts, retiring from the Franklin County 10th District Court of Appeals as their Assignment Commissioner. In retirement, he served Holy Rosary St John Catholic Church as their bookkeeper and also owned and managed various rental properties.
John defined the phrase “never met a stranger”. No matter the event, the city or state, John could always spot a familiar face and recall tidbits and the tiniest details of a connection. He was completely in his element retelling favorite stories and memories, always slipping in a sly comment, observation or joke with a slight smile while everyone around him laughed. John was also in his element if someone happened to hand him a microphone for “duets” with Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett, his favorites.
John was a constant supporter and cheerleader for his three daughters and any and all of their pursuits and accomplishments. He and Jennie worked as a team, logging many years of Friday night lights and Saturday and Sunday performances. Even today, John is legendary as a band parent chaperone for St. Francis DeSales Marching Band trips, having successfully convinced the boys in the band that Victoria’s Secret models were staying in the same hotel, prompting every boy to appear at breakfast slicked up and looking their very best.
John’s three beautiful granddaughters further cemented his self-described status of the “Minority in the Sorority”. (John noted even the beloved dog family members and possibly an adopted goldfish were also all girls.) His faithful support and quiet, constant love for all of “his girls” set the standard for a consummate “Girl Dad”.
While John faced health challenges over a number of years, adapting to those challenges served to unite the resources within his family. He faced the reality of those issues with courage and dignity. His family surrounded and joined with him in meeting that challenge – all with great determination. On his last family vacation, John led the way on a motorized scooter, truly the “Squad Father” of a strong and resilient family circle.
John was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother Joe Gerardi. He is survived by his wife Jennie, his daughters Kellie Goare (Austin), Katie Sassman (Mike), Kelsie Stites (Alex), and grand-daughters Avery and Kensie Goare and Harper Stites. He is also survived by his brother Steve Gerardi and sister-in-law Bonnie Gerardi, mother-in-law Jean Farquhar, brother-in-law Jeff Farquhar (Carrie) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends especially Kris Ehmke.
John, as do all of his family, enjoyed the relationships with beloved neighbors who have always kept a watchful eye. A special thank you is extended to them and to the staff of Ohio Living Home Health and Westminster Rehab.
Visitation will be held at Schoedinger in Worthington on Tuesday, May 10th from 4:00-8:00 p.m., with a brief prayer service at 4:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The con-celebrants will be Monsignor John Cody and Father Charles Cotton, assisted by Deacon Frank Iannarino. Mass will be webcast on St. John the Baptist Church’s website and their Facebook page. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, Ohio immediately following mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis DeSales High School Instrumental Music Department at www.sfdstallions.org/gerardi and/or Pink Ribbon Girls at www.PinkRibbonGirls.org.
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