Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, Adolph Frank Gerardi, joined his parents, sisters and brothers in Heaven at age 98, on Saturday, June 17, 2006.

Born December 18, 1907 to Frank and Christine (nee Feist) Gerardi in Jerseyville, Illinois, Adolph married Mildred Irene Weisbrod on August 31, 1935. He was inducted into the US Army on July 29, 1943 and served in the Battle of the Bulge. On April 10, 1945, in the final months of World War II, PFC Gerardi was injured in Hanover, Germany, as his unit was nearing Berlin. For this, he was awarded the Purple Heart. For his service to country in Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe, he also received the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. Six months following the end of the war, he returned on the victory ship to his wife and newborn daughter. He resumed his work with B&O Railroad, where he retired as a Section Foreman in 1972, after 47 years of working.

Adolph was a Life Member of American Legion Post 137, Life Member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, member of O'Fallon Sportsmen Club, and former member of O'Fallon Senior Citizens. Mr. Gerardi was a loyal member of St. Clare Catholic Church for 82 years. He prayed the rosary daily with his wife, whom he loved dearly. He truly enjoyed being with his family and friends. He was especially fond of the flowers, birds, squirrels, and abundant nature in their yard.

He is survived by his wife of 70 beautiful and loving years, Mildred Irene Gerardi, two daughters, Marciana (Michael) Donelson of Glen Carbon, Illinois; Mariana (Vonn) Leatherman of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Brian Donelson, Steven Donelson, Kevin (Cynthia) Donelson, Jess Leatherman, Sara Leatherman; great grandchildren, Kourtnie, Austin, Emma, and Addison Donelson.

Adolph was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Anthony, Arnold, and Frank (in infancy); and two sisters, Evangeline Morgan and Elizabeth Cooley.

Memorials may be made to the St. Clare Church Building Fund, Heartland Hospice or Masses.

Visitation: Friends may call from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 22, 2006 at St Clare Catholic Church, 300 S. Oak Street, O'Fallon and from 10:00-11:00 am, Friday, June 23, 2006 at St. Clare Church.

Funeral Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, June 23, 2006, at St. Clare Church with Father Jim Deiters presiding.

Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, Illinois, with military honors.