Gebhardt, John P.

DELMAR-John P. “Geppy” Gebhardt, 89 passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015. His heart of gold stopped beating while surrounded and comforted by his loving family. His strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and support from his family carried him through his recent illnesses.

John was born in Albany on July, 28, 1926 to John Gebhardt and Mary Feeney. After attending CBA he went on to graduate from Cathedral Academy in 1944. Described in his yearbook as a soul of fire that no dangers frighten and no labors tire with an infectious smile, a prodigious memory, fastidious in manner and dress and kind to all. John exemplified and illustrated these qualities throughout his life. After graduation he entered the Coast Guard and proudly served our country with the US Navy during WWII and returned home in 1947. John was a dispatcher for the Albany Police Department. He operated several taxi companies including Red & White Cab Co. at Amtrak Railroad where he spent 30 years.

John will be remembered for his quick wit and a great sense of humor. Family and friends were the cornerstone of his life. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As an only child he was exceptionally close to his many cousins. Particularly proud of his Irish heritage he was a member of the Albany Ancient Order of Hibernians as well as the Albany Elks and other fraternal organizations. He enjoyed Friday nights surrounded by friends at the IBS, Saratoga Racetrack, trips to Atlantic City, Florida and vacation cruises. He loved Humphrey Bogart and old movies. Due to failing eyesight he found enjoyment in audio books especially mysteries and historical war novels. John was a loyal and devoted fan of the Washington Redskins, Detroit Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

John was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Stockman, his daughter, Mary Gebhardt and his grandson, Nicholas Gebhardt. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sherilyn Gebhardt “Sheri”; his children, Thomas (Sandra) Bruno, Joseph (Karen) Bruno, John (Cathy) Gebhardt, Patricia Bryant, Mark (Karen) Gebhardt, Holly and Heather Bleau and Sheridawn (Robert) Leitch. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, Thomas (Barbara) Bruno, Kellie (Don) Spock, Joseph and Daniel (Rebecca) Bruno, Charlee Ingraham, Casey and Kelly Gebhardt, Courtney and James Bryant, Alexander and Kerry Gebhardt, Samantha and Stephanie Rekemeyer, Ashlee Bleau, Desiree Shea, Kay-Leigh, Tyler, Bob, Parker, and Madison Leitch and 21 great-grandchildren.

Although his work on earth is done he will live on in all those that were fortunate enough to know him. A life well lived and loved, may God bless him until we meet again.

A special thanks to Father Kenneth Doyle, the VA Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospice.

Funeral services will be held 9:45 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2015 from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue thence to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, corner of Madison Ave. and Eagle St., Albany where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial with full military honors to follow at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with the family on Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, Fl. 32256 (CFC#11425) or Patriot Flight, Inc., PO Box 190, Delmar, NY 12054.