Obituaries

Philip S. Gerhard, 81

November 7, 1942 - March 18, 2024

Philip S. Gerhard, 81, formerly of Buckwalter Road, Lititz, passed away at Landis Homes on Monday, March 18, 2024. Phil shared 58 years of marriage with his wife Margaret E. (Eby) Gerhard.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Philip S. Sr. and Mary Emily (Flury) Gerhard. He graduated from Manheim Township High School and earned an associate degree from Elizabethtown College. He worked in accounting, hospitality, and wood products industries throughout his career.

Phil enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay with the Lancaster Power Squadron, he was a member of the Susquehanna Sports Car Club, and a lifelong Formula One racing enthusiast, and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his youth. He found solace in nature’s wonder. Phils family history with trains continued through his life and manifested in a passion for model trains. Phil was an expert at tinkering and fixing things. Phil made many fond memories vacationing in Cape May, Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ with his family. Phil loved being a grandfather.

In his youth Phil worshipped at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster with his family. Phil and Margaret were members of Grandview Church.

Phil’s family includes his loving wife, Margaret, their daughter, Kristen E, Salembier (Christophe) of Lancaster, son, John P. Gerhard (Susan) of Lancaster, five grandchildren, Olivia Salembier, Eva Salembier, Alexandre Salembier, Jacob Gerhard, and Jack Gerhard, and his brother Harry Gerhard (Linda) of Oregon.

A heartfelt thank you these past 5 years is extended to the nurses, aides and staff at Landis Homes Oregon House and the staff of Hospice & Community Care for the care they provided to Phil.

Phil’s family will receive guests from 1 to 2 pm, followed by a celebration of his life at 2 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Grandview Church, 888 Pleasure Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, with The Rev. Andrea Brown officiating. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider contribution in Phil’s memory to the American Syringomyelia & Chiara Alliance Project. ASAP, PO Box 1586, Longview, TX 75606-1586.
ASAP American Syringomyelia & Chiara Alliance Project

The link below is available to view the Livestreamed service on Saturday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAfms33olfE

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Condolences to the Family

April 12, 2024

Dear Peggy and girls,
we are so sorry to have missedPhil’s funeral. Please know we are thinking about you and all the good times we had in our early years.
Especially water skiing❤️. May God bless your entire family. The Swan’s

March 29, 2024

Phil, you will always be missed and remembered. I did so enjoy the history of pictures You all had with Phil. This loss must be bittersweet. I pray each of you would carry on the legacy he left you as you move forward with the courage, endurance, and perseverance that he showed. I will always remember Phil’s engaging personality and his teasing sense of humor with me.
Joanne Priester

March 25, 2024

Peggy, to me Phil will always be the kind and quiet boy who was in my class at school. He stands out in my memory above the others because he never tried to stand out. I know you and Phil both faced the challenge of his long illness with grace. Roger and I are thinking of you at this time and wish you the comfort and strength you deserve. 
Bonnie and Roger Dorsey

March 25, 2024

Peggy,  Will and I are so sorry for  your loss.  May Phil’s beautiful smile and all your fond memories make you smile through your tears.  You and your family are in our hearts.  
Will and Gay Williams

March 23, 2024

My deepest sympathy to Peggy and family for the passing of Phil. He is at peace and suffering no longer.  He was loved by many. Phil was the kind of man who made people feel comfortable and smile. Keep the happy times in your heart. Cousin Debbie 

March 23, 2024

During this time of personal sorrow, we want you and your family to know that you are not alone. Phil’s memory will forever live on in your heart and in the cherished moments you shared. We enjoyed being your neighbors for many years.
Joan and Al Nagy

March 21, 2024

My deepest sympathies are sent to John, Kristen and Peggy!  Phil was a sweet man loved I’m sure by many.   To John and  Susan and boys my love is sent to you . Phil is finally at peace . Love Aunt Nancy

March 21, 2024

Dear Kristen, Christophe and Family,So sorry about the loss of your much loved dad. Our thoughts are with you and all your family.
Marianne and Jean-Luc Brigand 

March 20, 2024

Dear Kristen, Christophe and Family,
During these difficult times of sorrow and grief, please receive our deepest sympathy and thoughts of comfort. Your father, father in law and grand father will be forever in your memories and hearts. May his soul rest in peace.
“Il y a quelque chose de plus fort que la mort, c’est la présence des absents, dans la mémoire des vivants.” Jean D’Ormesson
Patrice, Céline Baumann et les enfants

March 20, 2024

Peggy, Kristen and John, So sorry to learn of Phi’s passing.  May you and the extended family remember the wonderful times spent with Phil and know that there many friends sending prayers of love and peace to you.
God Bless all of you,
Eileen Howe

March 20, 2024

Dear Peggy and Family:
We were saddened to learn about Phil’s passing away.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. With Deepesgt Sympathy and As Friends and MT Classmate, Alan and Linda Loss

March 20, 2024

Peg, Kristen, and John
Carol and I send our loving thoughts during this difficult time. Phil Schonour

March 20, 2024

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family. Phil is finally pain free and at peace. God bless you all. Gail Eby Paterno

March 19, 2024

We are so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the cherished moments you spent together and love and support from those around you. Our thoughts are with you and your family. 
Chantal et Pierre Jean Roux

Visitation
Saturday, March 23, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grandview Church
888 Pleasure Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services
Saturday, March 23, 2024
2:00 PM
Grandview Church
888 Pleasure Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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