John Gerdes

Cobleskill- John R.D. Gerdes, 76, of Carlisle, died Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Born July 10, 1940 in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Howard M. and Jeanette (Douglas) Gerdes.

John was a 1959 graduate of the former Cobleskill Central School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1960. He received an honorable discharge as Corporal E4 in 1966.

John enjoyed a 40-year career as a machinist at the General Electric Turbine Division in Schenectady, New York, retiring in 2008. He was an avid reader, birdwatcher, and golfer.

John attended the Gallupville Evangelical Lutheran Church and loved to listen to Christian music. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Dotty (Giovaniello) Gerdes, whom he married August 19, 1990; his four children: Melesia Gerdes (fiance, Kevin Coletti) of Sidney, Michelle Bilby of Summit, John H.E. (Tammy) Gerdes of Gloversville, and Tracy (Juan) Lizano of Rockwood, Georgia; his sister, Irene (Bruce) Pomella of Sharon Springs; his brother, Howard (Diane) Gerdes of New Port Richey, Florida; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by three sisters: Louise Smith, Sabina Myers, and Claire Heenan.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Gallupville Evangelical Lutheran Church, 890 Gallupville Road, Gallupville with Pastor Peter DeBartolo officiating. Family and friends are also invited to a period of visitation to be held at the church prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gallupville Evangelical Lutheran Church, 890 Gallupville Road, Gallupville, NY 12073, or Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, P.O. Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092, or American Legion of Schoharie County, 214 MacArthur Avenue, Cobleskill, NY 12043

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill.