Gerhard

Father John J. Gerhard, S.J.

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Father John J. Gerhard, S.J., who taught in Staten Island and Manhattan and wrote two works of spiritual literature, died July 18 at Murray-Weigel Hall in the Bronx. He was 94.

He was a chaplain and Latin teacher at St. Joseph Hill Academy, Staten Island, 2004-2007. He also taught at Loyola School, 1973-1976, and Xavier H.S., 1943-1946, both in Manhattan. He taught at Brooklyn Preparatory H.S., 1957-1972, and taught theology at St. John’s University for several years starting in 1976.

A specialist in the Gospel of John, Father Gerhard wrote “The Miraculous Parallelism of John” in 2006, and “The Trail of Glory” in 2009, a pictorial history of Jesus’ public ministry.

He also served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, 1953-1957. He lived and wrote while at Mount Manresa Retreat House, Staten Island, 1982-2007. He continued his writing at Loyola Hall, 2007-2009, before taking up residence at Murray-Weigel, both in the Bronx.

Born in Jersey City, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1936 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1949.

He is survived by his sister, Brenda Gerhard.

A Funeral Mass was offered July 21 at the chapel in Murray-Weigel. He was buried at the Jesuit cemetery in Auriesville.

Father John J. Gerhard, S.J.