A Funeral Mass for Gerald A. Erhard Jr., 69, of Zanesville, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 10:30 A.M., Monday, November 7, 2016 with Rev. Ed Keck as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.


Gerald died at the Morrison Hospice House on Thursday, November 3, 2016. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on November 4, 1946 to the late Dr. Gerald A. and Sophia E. (Yellenik) Erhard Sr.


Gerald was a 1964 graduate of Newark Catholic High School and following, spent 4 years in the Air Force at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington DC. He attended the University of Maryland where he played football as wide receiver, and was named All-Academic in the Atlantic Coast Conference and inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.


Gerald earned his law degree from Capital University and was currently working as a Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor, which he referred to as his 'dream job' where he dearly loved everyone that he worked with. Prior to this time, Gerald worked in private law practice for 20 years, and had been a former Licking County Assistant Prosecutor.


Gerald continued his love for athletics and worked as a soccer coach and official for many years, including ROSA Youth, Arsenal Club, and Varsity Bishop Rosecrans. He received the OHSAA Meritorious Award for 15 Years of Officiating in 2008 and was awarded the OHSAA State Award for Exemplary Contribution and Service in 2002. When he was not coaching, Gerald would volunteer in the concession stands during many of the basketball and football games at Bishop Rosecrans and Zanesville High Schools.


His community involvement also went well beyond the athletic fields. Gerald was a longtime parishioner of St. Nicholas Catholic Church where he worked many parish festivals. He volunteered with the Gus Macker, served on the Muskingum County Planning Commission, Muskingum County Park Districts, Cora E Rogge Trustee, and was named NSA Boss of the Year. Gerald was also an Austin Healey enthusiast. In his down time, Gerald's favorite place to visit was the cottage in Oscoda, Michigan where he could relax and fish.


He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sherry (Link) Erhard; his sons, Matthew L. Erhard (Scott M. Risner), and Christopher G. (Tiffany) Erhard; his grandson, Camden, whom he greatly adored and cherished every moment spent with him. He is also survived by his brothers; Robert T. (Mary) Erhard, David A. (Kathleen M.) Erhard, and Geoffrey M. (Amy) Erhard; his wife's family; and many nieces and nephews.


Friends and family may call from 2-6 P.M., Sunday, November 6, 2106, at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, where a Vigil Service will be held at 5:30 P.M.


In addition to his parents; Gerald was preceded in death by an infant child; and his two infant brothers.


The family requests memorials to the Newark Catholic Foundation, 1 Green Wave Drive, Newark, OH 43055; or Morrison Hospice House, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701.


To share your memory of Gerald or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.