Columbus, OH — Harold Jay Gerhardt, 89, of Richmond, Va., died Aug. 17, 2024, at Sunrise of Bon Air in Richmond, surrounded by loved ones.
Mr. Gerhardt was born on Oct. 27, 1934, to loving parents, the late Frank and Eloise (Beedle), in Akron, Ohio. The family later moved to Westerville, where he attended Westerville High School and later completed one year at Otterbein College.
He married his beloved wife Judy (Anson) on Sept. 18, 1962, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage and had one daughter, Jackie, in June 1963.
He was proud of his family and loved to spend quality time with them, particularly his great-grandsons, Oliver and Antonio.
He continued his parents’ passion for horses, and had a special interest in harness racing, reflected by his reception of the title of Kentucky Colonel and his 36 years of employment in the licensing department of the USTA.
Mr. Gerhardt lived across the street from the Delaware County Fairgrounds, and enjoyed daily trips to the fair each year. Passersby always noted the beauty of his front gardens with meticulously planted mums and marigolds lining the steps from his front porch down to Pennsylvania Avenue.
He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams, as well as their marching band, whose games were appointment viewing for him each weekend.
He is survived by his daughter, Jackie (Mark) Nelson; grandson, Matthew Nelson (Gabriela Ribeiro); granddaughter, Elizabeth (David) Fuss; and great-grandsons, Antonio and Oliver Ribeiro Nelson. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy; and brother, Ron.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.