John T. Gerbasi
Dec 6, 1940-June 18, 2024
Born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Carl Gerbasi, Sr. and Helen (Sabbatis) John was a Medina resident for nearly 50 years, he passed away peacefully at Medina Hospital Cleveland Clinic after bravely enduring the many challenges and associated conditions of Parkinson’s disease. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Carol (Smith), who passed away in 2007 and whom he married on September 23, 1961.
He is survived by loving daughter, Susan (Greg) Happ and by a beloved and devoted brother and sister-in-law, Carl Gerbasi, Jr. and Sharon of Ashland, niece, Angela Greene and nephew, Dean Gerbasi. John is survived by cousins who were more like siblings, including Tom (Jan) Gerbasi, Diane (Dan) Kagel, Lanne (Grant) Margrett, Edward (Meg) DiFiore, Jr and many other cousins along with so many close friends, they are innumerable.
A graduate of Berea High School, John enjoyed the status of ‘Most Popular’ of his senior class and he excelled on the football field and in having a good time. He carried an outgoing personality with him throughout his lifetime and his life’s work took him in many directions ending with a maintenance position with Buehler’s River Styx in semi-retirement.
While he enjoyed various hobbies and interests such as canoeing and sailing, he had a special flair for landscaping and gardening projects at home and he loved old barns. His family was the center of his world, and he faithfully supported his daughters love of horses for many, many years and would help with maintenance at her and her husband’s horse farm in Medina.
A consummate family man, John was the most devoted husband and father, a trusted friend and lover of animals. He will be dearly missed by many and never forgotten.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Stephen Cullen who provided compassionate and devoted care throughout John’s illness and hospitalization along with the entire team of ICU nurses and intensivists at Medina Hospital Cleveland Clinic who provided superb medical treatment and emotional support. Finally, appreciation is extended to Dr. Anne-Marie Chicorelli and Dr. Nicholas Marcanthony for their efforts in John’s care. Words of thanks are simply inadequate for the care John received.
Donations, if desired, may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research or any animal charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements by Waite & Son, Medina.
Interment in the family lawn crypt at Spring Grove Cemetery will be private.
Friends and family are warmly invited to gather at A Celebration of Life Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 2-5 at Jilbert’s Winery in Valley City.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to P.O. Box 296, Medina, OH 44258 or left at www.waitefuneralhome.com.
