Ed’s wish was granted, he’s finally home with Polly.
Edward R. Gertz left this earth Feb. 1, 2019, and was reunited with many family and friends that have gone before him.
Ed was raised a Christian man and lived his life as if Christ was always looking over his shoulder. He was mostly successful — nobody’s perfect.
From his children:
Dad was born Aug. 10, 1930, in Cleveland, to Norman and Dorothy Gertz, grew up in South Euclid, and tried to stay out of trouble with his older brother Bill and various school mates.
Dad’s and Bill’s lives changed forever when they lost their father in 1936. They became responsible men early on, which helped shape their character for the rest of their lives. Up until this past fall, Dad would have lunch with three high school classmates, Lou, Sal and Frank, who called themselves the ‘Final Four.’ They remained good friends till the end of Dad’s life.
Dad served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953 and was a Reserve until 1959. He remained a dedicated former Marine until the end, always offering a ‘Semper Fi’ when needed.
He was involved in building the Veteran’s Memorial in Hambden Township, knowing they needed a formal spot to honor their deceased local veterans.
Dad worked in the golf course industry until his retirement in 1995, building, rebuilding and maintaining courses throughout Northeast Ohio, including Pepper Pike, Casement Club, Quail Hollow and Legend Lake.
His ‘old school’ approach to golf course management, being hands on and getting those hands dirty, remained with him until retirement.
He married Vivian (Polly) Starr on Oct. 25, 1959, and they settled in Hambden Township, building the house they would inhabit their entire married lives. Their first, and almost their last, date was a ride in Dad’s airplane. She didn’t appreciate his ‘maneuvering’ the plane so she could see the countryside.
Mom remained the love of his life until her death in 2003. They had two boys, Jon (Cheryl) and Jeffrey (Julie). They also have two granddaughters, Nicky and Jessie.
He is survived by his older brother, Bill, his two sons and their wives and families, as well as many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, including Judy, who remains a kindred ‘out-law’ with Ed, both meeting their future spouses on the same day.
Brother Bill remained Dad’s best friend until the very end.
Our family would like to thank University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, Chardon Healthcare, Harbor Light Hospice and especially Phil, Annette, and the staff at Thistle House in Chardon, who gave Dad great love and care during his last few weeks.
The funeral service will be Feb. 8, 2019, at 11 a.m., at Hambden Congregational Church, GAR Highway.
The family will receive friends immediately following the burial at Hambden Cemetery, in the Church Fellowship Hall.
Our family would like to thank all of our friends and family who helped make Dad’s last few months on this earth as comfortable as possible.
Arrangements by Burr Funeral Home, Chardon. Information and condolences at www.burrservice.com.