Obituary of Joseph Gherrity, 90

Master Chief Joseph W. Gherrity, AVCM, US Navy, Ret., 90, died on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014, at The Fairways at Brookline. He was born in Bellefonte on March 19, 1924, the son of Adelaide (Schneider) and Wm. Walter Gherrity. He graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in 1938 and the Bellefonte High School in 1942.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater as a signalman aboard 2 mine sweepers. After this war he began a naval avionics career in the domain of avionics communication and maintenance. He flew aboard aircrafts as radioman, radar man, gunner and countermeasure operator.
In the 60’s and 70’s he was the maintenance chief for carrier squadrons. He served on 6 aircraft carriers as avionics and maintenance PO. He retired from the Navy in July 1975 with over 32 year’s active duty. Upon retiring from active duty, Joseph served 15 years as a naval air test service engineering technician. He retired from Civil Service in September 1990.

During his naval career, Joseph received 13 medals and commendations. Then continuing a lifelong hobby he became the official photographer for the Naval Air Museum at Patuxent River, MD, until illness brought him home to Pennsylvania in September 2013.

Joe was preceded in death by his younger brother, Commander Patrick Francis Gherrity, USN. He is survived by his sister, Mary (Molly) Danko of Bellefonte, his sister – in – law Norma of San Diego, CA, two nephews, Patrick Walter and Michael Joseph Gherrity and a niece, Kathleen Marie Fischer, and four grandnephews.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2014, from 9 – 10 AM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc, 206 N. Spring St, Bellefonte, PA. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 30, 2014, at 10:00 AM, at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop St, Bellefonte, PA, with Father John Gibbons officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Bellefonte, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, 116 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte, PA 16823.

The family is deeply indebted to Joe’s friends at the Naval Museum for caring for him at the beginning of his illness, Charles Kerr (dec.) Nick Vagianos, also Marie Rondean, Herb Bailey, George Bibaz, Harry Errington and his many friends there in Maryland. Also, the family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at The Fairways, and the hospice staff, for the kind and gentle care Joe received.
Rest in Peace, Chief.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc, Bellefonte. Online condolences may be made at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.