“He was a jewel, an absolute jewel,” said Fairfield City Councilman Ron D’Epifanio, who served with Gerhardt in the 1990s. “He was his own individual. Once he felt he was doing right for the residents, you weren’t going to talk him out of it, which is good.”
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Gerhardt’s life was about service. That included serving in the U.S. Air Force as a military police officer. He also spent four years in the Air Force, including a tour of duty in Vietnam.
He then worked in public service for 30 years for the city of Fairfield, first as a police officer and then as clerk of the city council. He later was Fairfield’s assistant city manager and city manager, and served several years on City Council.
Former City Council member Jeff Holtegel said Gerhardt was “very passionate, and worked hard in the city.”
“He was like a senior statesman when I first got elected (in 1993),” he said.
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Gerhardt worked for the Butler County Auditor’s office until his retirement.
He was born in 1945 in Cleveland and married his wife of nearly 50 years, LaDonna, on June 14, 1969. He also was dedicated to service as a member and master of the Hugh Bates Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star, serving in several positions as a Mason.
He also was a member of the Fairfield VFW.
In addition to his wife, Gerhardt is survived by his two sons Robert J. (Melissa) Gerhardt III, and Eric J. (Julie) Gerhardt; five grandchildren, Madison L. (Nathan) Gerhardt-Zuniga, Robert J. Gerhardt IV, Emma K. Gerhardt, Reagan Gerhardt, Alexandria Thomas, and a great-grandson on the way. He also was preceded in death by two sisters, Patricia Lykins and Joanne Molck.
A visitation for Gerhardt is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at The Webster Funeral Home, 3080 Homeward Way in Fairfield. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, followed by an Eastern Star service.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial to follow with full military honors in Rose Hill Burial Park.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 W. National Road, Springfield, OH 45504.
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