John Edward Gehrke, age 93, beloved husband of Eleanor T Gehrke for 66 years, passed away peacefully on August 28th, surrounded by his family. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his 5 devoted children, Pat Griffin, Mary Ellen Story (Lloyd), Jack Gehrke (Karen), Susan Vito (Russ) and Stephanie Rich (Scott). He also had 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and the knowledge that 2 more on the way, all that he loved and adored, as well as an ocean of friends. Born in New Haven on April 5th, 1928, John was the son of the late Helen and Frank Gehrke, brother of Edna Ryan (Hamden CT) and Bernice/Bunny Andrews (California) and a brother-in-law Richard Sanislo (Pat). John lived his early years with his family in Orange CT, moved to Marietta GA and eventually settled back to CT to be with family. You could find John painting his house, a deck or walls, mowing the grass or working on his cars. He loved keeping his mind and body active, including numerous puzzles, word search books and in later years reclining and reading his paper. He loved sharing his wisdom, knowledge and experiences and often texted or wrote to his many family members and friends. Above all John loved his family.

Friends may call on Friday, September 24th from 4-8PM at Hawley Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home located at 424 Elm Street in New Haven. A Mass will be held on Saturday September 25th at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road, Orange CT at 10:00am.In lieu of flowers, our family would appreciate donations made to the Smilow Children's Cancer Hospital for all of those fighting and those who have survived. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.