Ronald C. "Butch" Gerhart

Ronald C. "Butch" Gerhart, beloved husband, father, and Pappy, of Packer Street Weatherly, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. He was 78 years of age.

Born October 14, 1944 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Earl and Ruth M. (Hinkle) Gerhart. Ronald was also predeceased by his brother Raymond E. "Rocky" Gerhart and granddaughter, Kennedy Halechko.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 39 years, Celine "Cindy" (Jackson) Gerhart, sons Corey E. Gerhart and his wife Toni, Joseph Halechko and his wife Becky; daughters Michelle R. Gower, wife of Michael; Stacey L. Weigand, wife of Jonathan; Jennifer E. Barnes wife of Jeffery; and grandchildren Mason and Kendall Gerhart, Bristol Halechko, Morgan and Michael (Jr.) Gower, Tanner Titus, Emily and Alison Weigand, and Kaileigh Barnes. He absolutely adored his children, grandchildren and fur babies; a devoted family man.

Ronald served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a Purple Heart recipient. Also, he belonged to the B Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. An active member of Salem U.C.C. of Weatherly, Ronald served as Deacon, Church Elder, and chairman of the property committee.

Civically, Ronald was a Boy Scout leader, a member of American Legion Post 360, a former member of Citizen’s Fire Company, Weatherly, and past Commander of the Weatherly VFW Post #8128. An avid outdoorsman, Ronald was a member of the Penn Haven Gun Club, former member of Paradise Fishing Club and a lifetime member of the NRA, VFW and the North American Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends. He was part of the “Good Timers” bowling league and was a huge fan of NASCAR, watching either at home or from the grandstands. He served for many years on the “Pit Crew” for a family friend’s Go-Cart team. He enjoyed attending reunions with his fellow Vietnam Veteran comrades. Together they traveled to various destinations. He also went on several cruises, including a special trip to Hawaii with his wife, spending good times with friends.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located at 211 First Street, Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570/427-4231).

A Celebration of Ronald's Life will be held on April 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Salem U.C.C., 330 First Street, Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. Friends may call from 4:00 PM until time of services.

Entombment with Military Honors will be bestowed on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, Pennsylvania 17003.

Memorials may be made in Ronald's name to:
Carbon County Animal Shelter
63 Broad Street
Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania 18240

Disabled American Veteran Association
1123 East End Blvd
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com < http://www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com >