Dennis Gerhart

***Please be advised of road closure from California Road. Please enter from 309. If you are taking California Road please turn onto Kelly Road then to O'neill Drive to access entry to West Pumping Station Road." Dennis L. Gerhart, 71, of Quakertown, previously of Lansdale, passed away on Sunday, February 24 at his home. He was the loving husband of Maria A. (Falsetta) Gerhart for 35 years. Born in Lansdale, he was a son of the late Donald R. & Lydia E. (Kratz) Gerhart. Dennis graduated with a B.S. from the Philadelphia College of Art in Industrial Design. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for service during the Vietnam War. Dennis was active with the Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout and as a proud father of Eagle Scouts Jesse and Dylan Gerhart. He was a very creative and talented individual. He was an industrial designer by profession and was self-employed. As an industrial designer, Dennis designed visitor centers, museums and Trade show exhibits. In his later years, Dennis turned to another passion, combining his love of history with his illustration skills, to illustrate children's books. He did a lot of work for local non-profit organizations including: Friends of the Delaware Canal and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. He illustrated the children's book, "Tales of the Towpath: Adventures Along the Lehigh & Delaware Canal," used in Lehigh Valley schools to introduce children to the industrial growth along the Lehigh & Delaware canals in the 1850's. He also illustrated "Skirmish at Van Nest's Mill" and "Anabella, Teddy and the Rainbow Trail" for author Shirley Carvatt. Dennis was working on a series of drawing books for children combining history and drawing. Surviving with his wife are children: Jesse Vincenzo and Dylan Thomas Angelo Gerhart, both of Quakertown and siblings: Donald R., Jr., wife Sherry of Lansdale and Barry R., wife Becky of Tunkhannock, PA. Memorial Service will be held on 10:00 AM, Friday, March 1 in the Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Dennis will be laid to rest at a later date in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or service can be made in his name to the Friends of the Delaware Canal, 145 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938 or the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton, PA 18042 or an organization of your choice.