Gardner F. Gerich, 92, of Somers, CT loving husband of Mildred (Cieslak) Gerich entered into Eternal Rest on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital. Gardner was born April 23, 1926, in Springfield, MA the son of the late John and Margaret (Petty) Gerich. Gardner proudly served in the United States Army during World War II with the 100th Infantry, 373 rd Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B. After the War ended, Gardner was re-assigned to the 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Battery C where he was Section Chief, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Gardner owned and operated the Somersville Citgo Station from 1970 to 1980 and then purchased the Sunoco Station in Springfield on the corner of Allen St. and Cooley St. Gardner could be found tinkering with cars and often helped anyone with their automobile issues, especially his grandson, Gardner. In his spare time he loved to tend to his garden and vacation and fish at the Cape. Gardner was a proud member of the Buck-Dubiel American Legion Post 101 in Somers, the V.F.W. Post 9397 in Hamden, MA, the Somers Senior Center and a parishioner of All Saints Church in Somersville. Gardner and Mildred were united in Holy Matrimony on November 11, 1948 and have celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage. In addition to his loving wife, Mildred of Somers he is also survived by three daughters, Pamela Skirvan and her husband, Theodore of Concord, VA, Petty Gresh and her husband, Thomas of Springfield, VT and Melonie Gerich of Somers; his grandchildren, Risa Bazinet and her partner, Tony Roy of Willington, CT, Gardner Nadeau of Somers, William Gresh of Mansfield, Emily Gresh of Glastonbury, Lara Goldstein and her husband, Ryan of Mansfield, Teddy John Skirvan and his wife, Christine of Barnstable, MA; two great-grandchildren, Ian and Sean Skirvan; a sister, Beverly George of Cummings, GA; Leroy Collins who was like a son to Gardner, a very special friend, Dr. David Nochimson and several nieces and nephews. Gardner was predeceased by a sister, Jacqueline Miller. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on Sunday, October 7, 2018, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St., (Route 190) Somers. A funeral procession will gather on Monday, October 8, 2018, at 9 am at the funeral home for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 am at All Saints Church. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. For online expressions of sympathy or directions please visit www.somersfuneralhome.com

Affiliations

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  American
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  Army