Obituary of John E. Gergel

John E. Gergel "very generous man" Allegany, NY-- John Edward Gergel, 79, of 3421 Maple Avenue died Saturday (February 28, 2004) at The Waters of Salamanca Nursing Home. Born April 13, 1924 in Olean, NY he was the son of Thomas and Anna Klotczyk Gergel, Sr. On September 30, 1978 at St. James Church in Erie, PA he married Shirley Zimmer who survives. Mr. Gergel was a 1944 graduate of Olean High School and had resided in Olean and Allegany all of his life. He was first employed by the former Daystrom Co. and the former Carley Mfg. Co. in Olean. He worked for 17 years as a custodian for the St. Bonaventure University Friary, retiring in 1989. He enjoyed staying busy and worked part time for the Service Store Park and Shop in Allegany from 1990 until 2003. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, the Allegany Knights of Columbus Council 1220 and the Pulaski Club in Olean. He was a supporter of the SPCA where he and his wife were longtime volunteers. Surviving besides his wife are 1 brother Michael (Catherine) Gergel of Olean; 1 sister Anna (Robert) Lamb of New Jersey and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 1 brother Thomas Gergel, Jr. and 2 sisters Agnes Gergel and Margaret Drake. Friends will be received on Monday from 4 until 7pm in the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Funeral services will be held Tuesday (March 2, 2004) beginning with a prayer service at 9:30am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Bonaventure Church. Rev. Richard Husted, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the SPCA 2944 Olean-Hinsdale Rd. Olean or to St. Bonaventure Church.