Gerard F. Wehle Sr.'s Obituary
Gerard Francis Wehle, Sr., our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, known to friends and family as “Gerry” or “Papa”, passed away on September 11, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 85. Born on March 20, 1939, in Tampa, Gerry lived a full life in the city he always called home. Gerry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eleanor, and survived by his loving immediate family, Ellie (Greg), JJ (Joann), and Michael (Jill) as well as many brothers, sisters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Gerry was a member of a large Tampa family, with thirteen brothers and sisters, many of whom still reside in the Tampa Bay area. Gerry attended Jesuit High School. Shortly thereafter, he married the love of his life, Eleanor, and began his family. He proudly served his country in the National Guard alongside his twin brother, Henry. He and Henry were printing business entrepreneurs, working many long days to learn the trade and open their own business, Tampa Thermogravers, Inc., providing personal and professional printing services for decades. Gerry was known to family and neighbors as the “man who could fix anything”. He spent countless nights and weekends helping his family and friends fixing cars, air conditioners, appliances etc. Above all, he will be most remembered as a family man. Whether he was at Lake Rock with the family on a Sunday afternoon water skiing, or attending a graduation, school play or dance recital, Gerry was always there for his family with his presence, a smile and a laugh, advice or helping hand. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation services will be at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 North Armenia Avenue, Tampa, on Monday, September 16, from 5-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be conducted at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Catholic Church, 1711 E 11th Avenue, Tampa, on Tuesday, September 17 at 9:15 am. Burial services will follow immediately at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to OLPH Catholic Church in Gerry’s memory.
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