Harry (Jerry) Gherardi

Harry (Jerry) P. Gherardi
November 17, 1929 - January 16, 2014

Harry P. Gherardi, 84, lifelong resident of Hibbing, died at his home on January 16, 2014.

Harry was born on November 17, 1929, to parents Oreste and Lodovina (Bottaini) Gherardi. His parents were immigrants from Italy, and he spent his life being so proud of his Italian heritage. He grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Hibbing and loved telling stories of the old Brooklyn gang and neighborhood.

Harry graduated from Hibbing High School in 1947. He attended Hibbing Junior College and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, in 1953, with a bachelor's degree in business, economics, and accounting.

It was in Duluth where he met Marie Rolle, a Chisholm native, whom he married on April 11, 1953. They spent 60 loving and devoted years together.

Harry spent 30 years working for the City of Hibbing. He started as deputy treasurer in 1960, worked for years in the clerk's office, and retired as city administrator in 1990.

Harry was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. Over the years he was involved with the Knights of Columbus (he was Grand Knight in 1964); Italian American Club; Mesaba Country Club; Public Utilities Commission; and he was finance chairman of the Hibbing Centennial Committee.

Harry loved the outdoors, including hunting and fishing; he also enjoyed golfing and curling. One of his greatest passions was spending time at his cabin on King Lake. He especially treasured the times there with his family, whom he loved so dearly.

Harry is survived by his wife, Marie, and five children: daughter Vickie Drechsler and husband John of Loveland, Colorado; daughter Jeriann Danich and husband Fabian of Hibbing; daughter Karen Grinde and husband Brett of Pine City, MN, along with their family Lynsey (Josh) Barnes, grandchild Grayson, and Brittany (fiance Eric Larson); son Richard and wife Lori of Orono, MN, along with their children Jared, Nick, and Jake; and son Paul and wife Mandy of Hibbing, along with their children Maria, Julia, and Gino. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his daughter Lynn Gherardi in 1980; infant grandchildren Rachel and Angelo Gherardi; his parents; brothers Roger, Leno and Alfonso Gherardi; and sisters Ann Gargano, Mary Oliva, and Ferra Shega.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairview North Star Hospice, 1101 E 37th St, Hibbing, MN 55746; or to Blessed Sacrament Parish Building Fund, 2310 7th Ave E, Hibbing, MN 55746.

Harry and his family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at Fairview North Star Hospice, especially his hospice angel Karly Olson.

Funeral: The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, January 20, at Immaculate Conception Church in Hibbing.

Visitation: Will start at 9:30 a.m. The Knights of Columbus will conduct prayers 10 minutes prior to the service.

Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing, at a later date.

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