Thomas Lawrence Gerda – Rostraver Township
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP Thomas Lawrence Gerda, 88, of Rostraver Township, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheim e r ’ s disease, under the compassionate care of Suncrest Hospice. Born in Jacobs Creek on May 25, 1936, he was the son of the late John G. and Madeline Viale Gerda. Tom was a gifted carpenter and arduous worker, building his house from the ground up, and in a similar way, his career, working with Donora Construction and Allegheny Liquid Systems as labor foreman and superintendent in building trades. He was also a member of Laborers Union No. 286 and proud business owner of a Sunoco gas station. Tom loved his hobbies of gardening, hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking. All his children are fortunate to have received treasured handmade crafts. He enjoyed watching Westerns, listening to country music, was a lover of cookouts and was famous for his homemade gnocchi, chocolate cake, potato chips and wine. Tom can best be remembered as being passionate about his family. He was a devoted husband of 68 years to Gloria June (Boniella) Gerda, the love of his life. He was also a loving father of Thomas M. (Mary) Gerda, Rose M. (Frank) Chapman, Gloria J. Gerda, Brenda L. (Greg) Vaughn, Cynthia A. (Russell) Scott and David L. Gerda; eight grandchildren, Frank, Christopher, Jennifer, Daniel, Trevor, Nicole, Emily and Alison; nine great grandchildren, Hunter, Finley, Oliver, Rosalee, Lucy, Colton, Olivia, Cade and Bennett; and brother-in-law, Ron (Margarita) Boniella. He will be greatly missed by his family! Private viewing and funeral services were held at JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.
