Peter A. Gerhardt, age 60 years, of Kingwood Township, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ. Born in Orange, NJ, October 21, 1959, son of the late Richard and Sheila Kiell Gerhardt, he was raised in Glen Ridge, NJ and had lived in Pittstown, NJ prior to moving toContinue Reading
Peter A. Gerhardt, age 60 years, of Kingwood Township, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ.
Born in Orange, NJ, October 21, 1959, son of the late Richard and Sheila Kiell Gerhardt, he was raised in Glen Ridge, NJ and had lived in Pittstown, NJ prior to moving to Kingwood thirty years ago.
For many years Peter was a glazier with Glass Castle in Flemington, NJ, as well as worked performing barn renovations with Restoration Technologies of Hunterdon.
A twelve-year cancer survivor of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Peter embraced a philosophy of living life with an amazing determination and will to live.
He was passionate about antique restoration—with a special affinity towards restoring old barns. He also enjoyed an eclectic taste in music, from Bruce Springsteen to B.B. King, it all touched his heart and soul.
Peter was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose impact can never be truly quantified and who will leave an impact for the better in the hearts of all whose life path he crossed.
Surviving are his cherished wife of thirty years, Jane Mary Helfrich Gerhardt with whom he joined hands in marriage on November 18, 1989 at St. Michael’s Church, Cranford, NJ; his children, Ryan and Olivia Gerhardt; his siblings, Barbara Laura, James and his wife, Kathy Gerhardt, Karl Gerhardt, Christopher Gerhardt, and Robert and his wife, Patricia Gerhardt; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; his playful dog, Chloe; and many dear friends.
***Due to the inability to have a public ceremony at this time, and knowing how vital the love of family, friends, and the community is when someone passes, everyone reading this is encouraged to leave a detailed note on this page—perhaps a favorite story, or maybe the way Peter touched your heart—something to help inspire a measure of comfort and hope to all who read the comments.***
Life celebration services and cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.
Please visit Peter’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.
Those who wish to honor Peter are asked to make a gift in his honor to a college fund for his beloved children via ‘In Memory Of’. Please click HERE to be taken to his personal donation page.
For those who wish to make a contribution via mail, please make checks payable to “In Memory Of” and mail to P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Kindly note ‘Peter Gerhardt’ in the memo.
_____________________________
Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”
Jonathan R. Erik
left a message on January 14, 2025:
Pete Came into my mind today 1/14/2025...I did not know that he passed before I googled him on the internet today…. I'm now sitting in my office in a puddle of tears. I worked with Pete at Glass Castle in in my early 20’s, early 2,000’s…Pete was the 1st person that I was put on the road with and I remember the job and that day well (shower fix/ Install)…I remember being nervous because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing as I was new to the glass business…Pete made made me feel comfortable in a father like way immediately and I remember him to have a very unique a funny personality that I will never forget…I remember all the guys would rotate with one another on different jobs and on different days. Sometimes many of us would be together at one time and it felt like a band of brothers especially whenever Pete was around in the group. I remember always requesting to work with Pete when I started because I felt the most comfortable with him and he was absolutely my most favourite person to work with…I remember he was a master glazier and could measure out mirrored walls like no other (very hard to do). But that wasn’t what was important. What was important was the way he made me feel and the things I learned about life when I was with him as I never had a father growing up and he was so father-like to me. We had the best conversations and talked about everything under the sun… God, the Universe, religion and everything in-between (I learned a lot from knowing him). …Pete was always smiling, laughing and happy and had such a great personality and beautiful smile. Me and Pete were always laughing with each other whenever we were together…Never did he ever mention that he was battling cancer etc…..What an example of what a man is and should be.. What a strong person!....He had a special spirit about him. There was no victim in him as he was too focused on his children and I remember him mentioning his young son often and how much he loved locomotive trains…..My fondest memory of Pete was a day that we were working together directly across the street from my small studio apartment that I had in Flemington, which became the hub of hangout for everyone at Glass Castle in-Between and after all the jobs were complete… We as all the guys in Glass castle had a tendency to get things done ahead of time so we could relax the rest of the day without working until we had to go back to the shop at 4:00PM to clean up and be done at 5:00PM….Me and Pete finished the job that day 1st thing in the morning probably by 11:00ish…we got in the truck (manual transmission) and left the house…I squealed tires leaving the neighbourhood, took the truck sideways and ended up in my gravel driveway of my apartment complex 5 seconds later!....We were dying laughing! We were laughing so hard!!...That was the fastest we had ever got to my place after a job and we hung out the rest of the day! What great times!......My fondest memory of conversation was one day I was complaining to Pete about my life and how I was upset about the way things were going for me…and I told him that if I just had a bunch of money that I would be happy…..Pete looked at me and said “ Are you sure you just wouldn’t be miserably comfortable” I will never forget that….Pete was a fantastic human being….I will forever hold him dear in my heart. - I Love you Pete, you will be forever missed in this life. -Jizzy
Frank Helfrich
left a message on March 30, 2021:
Miss you Pete
The Bergacs Family
left a message on June 14, 2020:
Our family shares so many beautiful memories from baseball to band with Pete, Jane, Ryan and Olivia. Pete was a special man who loved his family and community. He will be deeply missed by us.
Kathleen McAdam
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane,
My deepest sympathy to you and your children on the loss of your dear Peter.
Love,
Kathleen
Sharon Daley
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane, Ryan and Olivia
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Although I didn’t know Pete very well, I do know that he was a kind and gentle man. Pete was also a very brave man to have gone through what he went through with his non Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. I pray he is in eternal peace and I know he will be with you in spirit for the rest of your lives...please know I am just a phone call away and I am sending prayers your way..
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Nancy Bernard
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Pete was a wonderful husband and father and in turn was blessed with a loving family. His strength and perseverance touched many, and his memory will continue to live on in everyone’s hearts. ?
The Miller Family
left a message on June 10, 2020:
We love you Pete and we will miss you. We will do all we can to help and support Jane, Ryan and Olivia.
Rest In Peace, until we’re together again.
John and Nancy
Desabatino Family
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Pete will be forever missed by our family. Our sons love of trains brought us together. So many happy moments shared train chasing. Until we meet again buddy, ?
Bob and Barbara Fusi
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Our hearts are crushed for the family of Pete. May he Rest In Peace and May he be reunited with loved ones gone before him.
Allison Larthey
left a message on June 10, 2020:
While I didn’t know Peter well, I had the pleasure of teaching both Ryan and Olivia, two of the most wonderful children I’ve had the joy to teach. It was immediately obvious they came from a loving, caring, and supportive home that was full of thoughtfulness and joy. I’m am so sorry for your loss. Sending all my love and support to your family ❤️ ~Allison Larthey
Terry Tschopp
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear all: My wife and I would like to take this moment to express our sadness with the passing of Peter. The one thing I can say is Peter was always a real gentleman to me and always treated me with respect, We were mutual cancer survivours which in a way gave us a common bond. We pray for his soul and also for God to grant you grace and peace in this time of sorrow.
God Bless
Ida and Terry Chubb
Matthew 28:20
Kerstin Switzer
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane, my deepest condolences to you and your children. Your husband/dad will continue to be with you always, he lives in your hearts❤️
Paulien & Hans
left a message on June 10, 2020:
With all my love in these very difficult times. Pete’s memory and legacy will live on forever.
Paulien & Hans
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane, Ryan and Olivia, I want to offer you my heartfelt condolences and love at the passing of your beloved Pete/Dad. Pete left me something very valuable. During our walks in the dog park with Chloe and Tumbi years ago I discovered Pete was quite spiritual and well read. He introduced me to a simple little book, called The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is a guide for how to live a good life of integrity. To this day I am still using what I learned. The Four Agreements are:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don't take anything personally.
3. Don't make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.
Every time I think of these Agreements I think of Pete and how he exemplified them. I know what an enormous void he is leaving behind and I hope and pray there will be a day you can be grateful for all the good memories and everything he left behind. Never to be forgotten. With much love, Paulien
Val Schoener
left a message on June 10, 2020:
In memory of Peter A. Gerhardt, Val Schoener lit a candle
Samantha Blessing
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Pete was the nicest guy, so kind, and such a loving father! My condolences to Jane, Ryan and Olivia! We're all thinking about you guys!
Mark Diamond
left a message on June 6, 2020:
To the entire Family,
Words cannot express the feelings that we all have. Jane, please know that we are always here for you and your Family. Please know that our hearts continue to hurt. May Pete Rest in Peace.
Nancy Strassheim
left a message on June 6, 2020:
Dear Jane and family, so very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your faImily and friends....I am friends with your sister-in-law Barbara..Met you and your family one Thanksgiving and I truly enjoyed meeting you, Peter, and family. May your days ahead be blessed with love and comfort...Fondly, Nancy
Shirley Merrill
left a message on June 6, 2020:
Jane, Ryan and Olivia,
All my love, thoughts and prayers for you. May God's grace and love carry you through this difficult time.
Sheila and Kenneth Apsley
left a message on June 5, 2020:
So sorry for the loss Janie, Ryan and Olivia. You are all in our thoughts and prayers ?
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kathy Mancini
left a message on June 5, 2020:
Jane, Ryan and Olivia,
We are so sorry for your loss. We haven't seen you all in long time but have found memories of our time at Little Angels. You are in our thoughts.
Kathy and Jeff Mancini
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Jonathan R. Erik
left a message on January 14, 2025:
Pete Came into my mind today 1/14/2025...I did not know that he passed before I googled him on the internet today…. I'm now sitting in my office in a puddle of tears. I worked with Pete at Glass Castle in in my early 20’s, early 2,000’s…Pete was the 1st person that I was put on the road with and I remember the job and that day well (shower fix/ Install)…I remember being nervous because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing as I was new to the glass business…Pete made made me feel comfortable in a father like way immediately and I remember him to have a very unique a funny personality that I will never forget…I remember all the guys would rotate with one another on different jobs and on different days. Sometimes many of us would be together at one time and it felt like a band of brothers especially whenever Pete was around in the group. I remember always requesting to work with Pete when I started because I felt the most comfortable with him and he was absolutely my most favourite person to work with…I remember he was a master glazier and could measure out mirrored walls like no other (very hard to do). But that wasn’t what was important. What was important was the way he made me feel and the things I learned about life when I was with him as I never had a father growing up and he was so father-like to me. We had the best conversations and talked about everything under the sun… God, the Universe, religion and everything in-between (I learned a lot from knowing him). …Pete was always smiling, laughing and happy and had such a great personality and beautiful smile. Me and Pete were always laughing with each other whenever we were together…Never did he ever mention that he was battling cancer etc…..What an example of what a man is and should be.. What a strong person!....He had a special spirit about him. There was no victim in him as he was too focused on his children and I remember him mentioning his young son often and how much he loved locomotive trains…..My fondest memory of Pete was a day that we were working together directly across the street from my small studio apartment that I had in Flemington, which became the hub of hangout for everyone at Glass Castle in-Between and after all the jobs were complete… We as all the guys in Glass castle had a tendency to get things done ahead of time so we could relax the rest of the day without working until we had to go back to the shop at 4:00PM to clean up and be done at 5:00PM….Me and Pete finished the job that day 1st thing in the morning probably by 11:00ish…we got in the truck (manual transmission) and left the house…I squealed tires leaving the neighbourhood, took the truck sideways and ended up in my gravel driveway of my apartment complex 5 seconds later!....We were dying laughing! We were laughing so hard!!...That was the fastest we had ever got to my place after a job and we hung out the rest of the day! What great times!......My fondest memory of conversation was one day I was complaining to Pete about my life and how I was upset about the way things were going for me…and I told him that if I just had a bunch of money that I would be happy…..Pete looked at me and said “ Are you sure you just wouldn’t be miserably comfortable” I will never forget that….Pete was a fantastic human being….I will forever hold him dear in my heart. - I Love you Pete, you will be forever missed in this life. -Jizzy
Frank Helfrich
left a message on March 30, 2021:
Miss you Pete
The Bergacs Family
left a message on June 14, 2020:
Our family shares so many beautiful memories from baseball to band with Pete, Jane, Ryan and Olivia. Pete was a special man who loved his family and community. He will be deeply missed by us.
Kathleen McAdam
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane,
My deepest sympathy to you and your children on the loss of your dear Peter.
Love,
Kathleen
Sharon Daley
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane, Ryan and Olivia
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Although I didn’t know Pete very well, I do know that he was a kind and gentle man. Pete was also a very brave man to have gone through what he went through with his non Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. I pray he is in eternal peace and I know he will be with you in spirit for the rest of your lives...please know I am just a phone call away and I am sending prayers your way..
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Nancy Bernard
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Pete was a wonderful husband and father and in turn was blessed with a loving family. His strength and perseverance touched many, and his memory will continue to live on in everyone’s hearts. ?
The Miller Family
left a message on June 10, 2020:
We love you Pete and we will miss you. We will do all we can to help and support Jane, Ryan and Olivia.
Rest In Peace, until we’re together again.
John and Nancy
Desabatino Family
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Pete will be forever missed by our family. Our sons love of trains brought us together. So many happy moments shared train chasing. Until we meet again buddy, ?
Bob and Barbara Fusi
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Our hearts are crushed for the family of Pete. May he Rest In Peace and May he be reunited with loved ones gone before him.
Allison Larthey
left a message on June 10, 2020:
While I didn’t know Peter well, I had the pleasure of teaching both Ryan and Olivia, two of the most wonderful children I’ve had the joy to teach. It was immediately obvious they came from a loving, caring, and supportive home that was full of thoughtfulness and joy. I’m am so sorry for your loss. Sending all my love and support to your family ❤️ ~Allison Larthey
Terry Tschopp
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear all: My wife and I would like to take this moment to express our sadness with the passing of Peter. The one thing I can say is Peter was always a real gentleman to me and always treated me with respect, We were mutual cancer survivours which in a way gave us a common bond. We pray for his soul and also for God to grant you grace and peace in this time of sorrow.
God Bless
Ida and Terry Chubb
Matthew 28:20
Kerstin Switzer
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane, my deepest condolences to you and your children. Your husband/dad will continue to be with you always, he lives in your hearts❤️
Paulien & Hans
left a message on June 10, 2020:
With all my love in these very difficult times. Pete’s memory and legacy will live on forever.
Paulien & Hans
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Dear Jane, Ryan and Olivia, I want to offer you my heartfelt condolences and love at the passing of your beloved Pete/Dad. Pete left me something very valuable. During our walks in the dog park with Chloe and Tumbi years ago I discovered Pete was quite spiritual and well read. He introduced me to a simple little book, called The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is a guide for how to live a good life of integrity. To this day I am still using what I learned. The Four Agreements are:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don't take anything personally.
3. Don't make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.
Every time I think of these Agreements I think of Pete and how he exemplified them. I know what an enormous void he is leaving behind and I hope and pray there will be a day you can be grateful for all the good memories and everything he left behind. Never to be forgotten. With much love, Paulien
Val Schoener
left a message on June 10, 2020:
In memory of Peter A. Gerhardt, Val Schoener lit a candle
Samantha Blessing
left a message on June 10, 2020:
Pete was the nicest guy, so kind, and such a loving father! My condolences to Jane, Ryan and Olivia! We're all thinking about you guys!
Mark Diamond
left a message on June 6, 2020:
To the entire Family,
Words cannot express the feelings that we all have. Jane, please know that we are always here for you and your Family. Please know that our hearts continue to hurt. May Pete Rest in Peace.
Nancy Strassheim
left a message on June 6, 2020:
Dear Jane and family, so very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your faImily and friends....I am friends with your sister-in-law Barbara..Met you and your family one Thanksgiving and I truly enjoyed meeting you, Peter, and family. May your days ahead be blessed with love and comfort...Fondly, Nancy
Shirley Merrill
left a message on June 6, 2020:
Jane, Ryan and Olivia,
All my love, thoughts and prayers for you. May God's grace and love carry you through this difficult time.
Sheila and Kenneth Apsley
left a message on June 5, 2020:
So sorry for the loss Janie, Ryan and Olivia. You are all in our thoughts and prayers ?
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kathy Mancini
left a message on June 5, 2020:
Jane, Ryan and Olivia,
We are so sorry for your loss. We haven't seen you all in long time but have found memories of our time at Little Angels. You are in our thoughts.
Kathy and Jeff Mancini
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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